Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Warta Geologi 47 2 Web
Warta Geologi 47 2 Web
Warta Geologi 47 2 Web
GEOLOGI
Cover photo: Fractured turbidite sandstones, West Crocker Formation, Pulau Gaya, Sabah. Photo by Mazlan Madon.
CATATAN GEOLOGI GEOLOGICAL NOTES
DOI : https://doi.org/10.7186/wg472202101
2
Department of Geology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria
* Corresponding author email address: solomonjanjaro@gmail.com
Abstract: Karlahi is largely underlain by granites and migmatites gneiss of the Adamawa Massif. The area lies west
of Benue Trough and east of Cameroon volcanic line. The aim of this paper is to determine hydraulic properties of
water bearing layer using parameters derived from Dar-Zarrouk equation and characterized them into groundwater
potential zones. The resistivity values of the weathered and slightly weathered layers which make up the water
bearing layers were added and an average was taken and used as the resistivity of the water bearing formation in
computation of Dar-Zarrouk parameters in Karlahi area. The values of resistivity of water bearing formation ranged
from 18 to 4963 Ωm with an average resistivity value of 549 Ωm and the thickness of the water bearing formation
ranges from 21 to 32 m with an average thickness of 24.5 m. Conductivity values range from 0.000201 to 0.05509
(σ) while the longitudinal conductance range from 0.00483 to 1.2363 Ω-1, the transverse resistance ranges from 407
to 123504.3 Ωm2. The hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity values range from 0.14 to 25.87 m/day and 3.28
to 580.4 m2/day respectively. The longitudinal conductance values in Karlahi area revealed poor to good with an
average longitudinal conductance value that is moderate. High transverse resistance values are located in the central
and southern part of Karlahi area while low values are located in the eastern part. The spatial distribution map of
transmissivity in the area revealed moderate to high transmissivity values in the north central part and a negligible
to low transmissivity in southern part, extreme northeastern part. The groundwater potential map of Karlahi area
shows negligible to weak potential groundwater zones in SW and SE, moderate potential in the central to northern
part of Karlahi area.
Keywords: Dar-Zarrouk parameter, groundwater, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, transverse resistance, Adamawa
ISSN 0126–5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549 Warta Geologi, Vol. 47, No. 2, August 2021, pp. 103–112
Yusuf, S.N., Ishaku, J.M., Wakili, W.M.
reliable (Soupius et al., 2007). According to Soupious test results acquired at borehole locations but because
et al. (2007) longitudinal conductance, transmissivity, of limited borehole data in the area, field resistivity data
hydraulic conductivity, transverse resistance and thickness were used to achieve the objectives of this study. This
of the aquifer are vital in determining groundwater flow paper is aimed at estimating parameters of Dar-Zarrouk
in a given aquifer and how the medium will respond equation in Karlahi area.
after withdrawal (Yadav, 1995). (Jones & Buford, 1951) Karlahi area lies between latitudes 8˚48′ N to 8˚58′ N
revealed the relationship between electrical and aquifer and longitudes 12˚30′ E to 12˚38′ E (Figure 1) in Fufore
properties of water bearing formation in basement complex LGA, Adamawa State. The area has a total land mass of
terrain and discovered that as the rate of weathering about 214 km2. The area is characterized by rural setting
increases flow rate of fluid increases in water bearing and inhabited by the Chamba, Verre and Fulani speaking
formation. (Chandra et al., 2008) studied hydraulic tribes. The area is drained largely by River Benue and
conductivity acquired from electrical resistivity with Lake Pariya, Gobako, Gerwedi, Kapo with small rivers
pumping test result, found that the result correlate and like Mayo-Ine.
are reliable. Hydraulic conductivity is the most difficult
to estimate due to high values or inappropriate laboratory BRIEF GEOLOGY OF KARLAHI
analysis (Soupius et al., 2007). One reliable way of Geological mapping which was done on a scale of
calculating hydraulic conductivity is by using pumping 1:50,000 revealed Karlahi area being underlain by granites
and metamorphic rocks. The granites are classified into MATERIAL AND METHODS
coarse to medium grained size which are dominantly The instrument used for this work was SYSCAL
found in the western part of Karlahi (Figure 2). The Older JUNIOR Resistivity equipment, it is a signal averaging
Granites suite constitutes over 60% of outcrops in Karlahi system which calculates the voltage by the current and
(Rahaman, 1988). They form prominent features such as multiplies it with the constant of the field configuration.
boulders, steep-sided craggy tors, sub-elliptical plutons to The equipment is a complete transmitter/receiver system
masses of batholithic dimensions as outcropped around in a single box and it calculate the constant of every AB/2
Korkai, Lugga Chamba, Karlahi Chamba, Mamlaipa, spread which makes it very quick and easy resistivity meter
Donrupa, Bongladi and Begni areas. Banded gneisses, to use. The machine automatically calculates the Ω (Rho)
quartz dyke and amphibolite form low-lying and in some results and average are presented automatically on the
places, flat outcrops especially around Baraje, Belwa Gite, display. The vertical electrical sounding surveys were done
Donkan Vera, Sabon Gari Koma and Kila Sarka. Banded using field configuration of AB/2 = 1m and MN = 0.2m,
gneiss occurs massively, low-lying and as short ridges spread was increased as the survey progresses. Potential
constituting about 40% of the rock units in the area. Few distance MN were increased at particular cycles to give
boulders of about one to three meters in radius were also reliable reading from the resistivity meter. However, the
observed scattered around the base of medium-grained condition of AB/2 ≥ 5MN has to be fulfilled. Readings
granite north of Jakada, Balwa Gite, Kila-Sakra and Rajiya of resistance is taken directly from the equipment, which
localities respectively. is then multiplied by a K factor automatically by the
Figure 2: Geology of Karlahi and environs (Modified from NGSA Map, 1996).
machine to calculate the apparent resistivity. This was longitudinal conductance for the water bearing layer
then plotted on a bi-logarithmic graph sheet, the distance (Niwas & Singhal, 1981).
AB/2 on the X axis against the resistivity values on the The theoretical relationship between aquifer
Y axis, resistivity models were then created and the transmissivity (Tr) and transverse resistance (R) of
data interpreted using (IX1D Interpex 2006) computer water bearing formation and that of (S) were determined
programme. The hydraulic parameters of each aquifer analytically by (Niwas & Singhal, 1981) and are given as:
in Karlahi were calculated from the 30 Vertical electrical
soundings data. Tr = KδR = KS/σ = Kh 7
Table 1: VES locations and their geo-electrical parameters computed using Dar-Zarrouk parameters.
VES Location Layer Layer Aquifer Longitudinal Transverse Hydraulic Transmis-
No Resistivity Thickness Conductivity Condutance Resistance Conductivity sivity
(Ωm) (m) (ohm) (Ω) (Ωm2) (m/day) (m2/day)
conductivity values were represented by shades of green transmissivity values in Karlahi area with an average value
colours as shown on the map. Hydraulic conductivity of 153.76 m2/day. A spatial distribution of transmissivity
provides an indication of the ease with which water map generated from Dar-Zarrouk equation of VES results
moves through the subsurface; a higher value represents are presented in Figure 6. Sky blue and shades of blue
the ease with which that happens. colours indicate the zones with high transmissivity values
The values of transmissivity estimated by Dar- whereas shades of green represent low transmissivity
Zarrouk parameter showed the distribution of the values. Transmissivity has high values in the north central
part of Karlahi area and are low in southern part and DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
extreme northeastern part. According to (Oladapo & Akintorinwa, 2007)
standard, protective capacity value of >10 is excellent,
Zones of groundwater potential in Karlahi area between 5 -10 is very good, 0.7 - 4.9 is good, 0.2-0.69
The values of the transmissivity over Karlahi area is moderate, 0.1 - 0.19 is weak and < 0.1 is poor. By this
and the numerical boundary given by (De Wiest, 1965) standard, the longitudinal conductance values in Karlahi
was modified by grouping all values < 50 together and area revealed poor to good with the average longitudinal
having three range values of < 50 as negligible and conductance as moderate. This analysis revealed Toza and
weak, between 50 -500 as moderate and > 500 as high. northwestern part of Toza to have moderate protective
These standards are used to determine the potential capacity and are considered to have moderate yield of
groundwater zones in the area. High transmissivity groundwater. The values of transverse resistance in Karlahi
values correspond to high groundwater potential. The area revealed low to moderate groundwater yield according
groundwater potential map of Karlahi area presented to (Cassiani & Medina, 1997). In hydrogeological studies,
in Figure 7 shows a negligible to weak groundwater transverse resistance has been discovered to function
potential zone represented by yellow colours covering analogous to transmissivity (Singh & Singh, 2016). These
23.3% of Karlahi area, moderate groundwater potential high transverse resistance values are located in Donka
zone represented by green colours covering about 70% Fulani, Baraje, Mangola and Yabara communities while
of Karlahi area and high groundwater potential zone low values are located in Gogra, Bargare, Ngurore and
represented by red colours covering 6.7% of Karlahi Kura, all situated in the north eastern area corresponding
area. These moderate zones are mostly concentrated in to areas underlain by banded gneiss.
the central to the northern part of Karlahi. The southern Hydraulic conductivity provides an indication of the
part is characterized by negligible to weak zones and the effortless flow of water in the subsurface (Ezema et al.,
high zones are concentrated in pockets. 2020), higher value represents the ease with which that
KEY
happens. High permeability will be observed in aquifer A., Owor, M. & Kisekulo, J., 2010. Correlation of geoelectric
zones with high hydraulic conductivity (Niwas & Singhal, data with aquifer parameters to delineate the groundwater
1985). Hydraulic conductivity is high in Yabara, Luga potential of hard rock terrain in Central Uganda. Pure Appl.
Chamba, Bageni, Toza, Bargare communities all in north Geophys. J., 167, 1549–1559.
Braga, A.C., Filho, W.M. & Dourado, J.C., 2006. Resistivity (DC)
central area of Karlahi area with pocket of high hydraulic
method applied to aquifer protection studies. Rev. Brasil.
conductivity on the western part of Baraje while low Geof., 24(4), 573–581.
values are predominantly located in the southern part Cassiani, G. & Medina, M.A. Jr., 1997. Incorporating auxiliary
covering Turpa, Donka Fulani, Baraje and Mangola geophysical data into groundwater flow parameter
and also on the extreme part of the northen part of the estimation. Groundwater, 35, 79–91.
study area covering Gogra, Ngurore and Kura which are Chandra, S., Ahmed, S., Ram, A. & Dewandel, B., 2008.
predominantly underlain by coarse to medium grained Estimation of hard rock aquifers hydraulic conductivity
granite and banded gneiss. Transmissivity values in from geoelectrical measurements: a theoretical development
Karlahi area revealed negligible to moderate groundwater with field application. Journal of Hydrology, 3–4, 218–227.
Chang, S.W., Clement, T.P., Simpson, M.J. & Lee, K., 2011.
potential based on data reported by (De Wiest, 1976). The
Does sea – level have an impact on saltwater intrusion?
spatial distribution map of transmissivity in Karlahi area Advanced Water Resources, 34, 1283 – 1291.
revealed areas with moderate to high transmissivity values De Wiest, R.J.M., 1976. Geohydrology. Wiley Publisher, New
in the north central to northern parts and a negligible York.
to low transmissivity in southern part. Logically, high Ezema, O.K., Ibuot, J.C. & Obiora, D.N., 2020. Geophysical
transmissivity values imply high groundwater potentials investigation of aquifer repositories in Ibagwa Aka,
and these areas corresponds to high hydraulic conductive Enugu state, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method.
zones. Pockets of high groundwater potential zone is Groundwater for Sustainable Development. DOI:10.1016/j.
observed north of Toza and directly below the mountainous gsd.2020.100458.
Ferre, E., Deleris, J., Bouchez, J.L., Lar, A.U. & Peucat, J.J., 1996.
area. The mountainous area characterized by lineaments
The Pan African reactivation of Eburnean and Archaean
with high interconnectivity structures for easy flow of provinces in Nigeria: structural and isotopic data. J. Geol.
groundwater in to weathered geologic materials, these Soc., 153, 719-728.
may be the possible reason for moderate groundwater Fufore Local Government Area, 2013. A Local Investment Plan for
potentials in the area. Water Supply and Sanitation Sector for the year 2014-2018.
Gemail, K.S., El-Shishtawy, A.M., El-Alfy, M., Ghoneim, M.F. &
CONCLUSION Abd El-Bary, M., 2011. Assessment of aquifer vulnerability
Dar – Zarrouk parameters proved useful for of industrial waste water using resistivity measurements,
delineating zones of groundwater potentials in a A case study, along El – Gharbyia main drain, Nile Delta,
Egypt. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 75, 140 – 150.
complex basement terrain. The groundwater potential
Golden Software, IX1D Interpex, 2006. One Dimensional
map delineated central to northern part of Karlahi Resistivity Interpretation Software, Golden software Inc.
area with moderate to high groundwater potential and Jones, P.H. & Buford, T.B., 1951. Electric logging applied to
low groundwater potential zones in the southwest and groundwater exploration. Geophysics, 16(1), 115 – 139.
southeastern areas. Low groundwater potential zones Kelly, W.E. & Reiter, P.F., 1984. Influence of anisotropy on
in southwest and southeastern area and are attributed to relations between electrical and hydraulic properties of
limited or no weathered material in the area. Other low aquifers. Journal of Hydrology, 74, 311-321.
groundwater potential areas are in the extreme northeastern Kosinski, W.K. & Kelly, W.E., 1981. Geoelectric soundings for
and central parts of Karlahi area. The mountainous areas predicting aquifer properties. Ground Water, 19(2), 163 - 171.
Maillet, R., 1947. The fundamental equations of electrical
are serving as possible recharge zones to faults, fissures
prospecting. Geophysics, 12(4), 529-556.
and weathered basement in the area. Mbonu, D.D.C., Ebeniro, J.O., Ofoegbu, C.O. & Ekine, A.S.,
1991. Geoelectrical sounding for the determination of aquifer
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT characteristics in parts of the Umuahia area of Nigeria.
The authors are grateful to Modibbo Adama Geophysics, 56(5), 284 – 291.
University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State for Mendosa, F.G., Steehuis, S.T., Todd, M. & Parlange, J. Y., 2003.
providing the equipment ABEM SAS 1000 used for this Estimation Basin-wide hydraulic parameters of a Semi-Arid
research work and are also grateful to our anonymous mountainous watershed by recession flow analysis. Journal
reviewers for their critical and positive comments. of Hydrogeology, 279, 57 – 69.
Nggada, I.S. & Nur, A., 2017. Geo-electrical Survey for
Groundwater Potential of Biu and Environs, North Eastern
REFERENCES Nigeria. World Journal of Applied Physics, 2(3), 59-70.
Baba, S., 2009. Geology of Madagali area, Hawal Massif, N.E. Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), 1996. Regional
Nigeria. Unpubl. PhD Thesis, Department of Geology, geological map of Nigeria, 1996 Edition.
Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola. Nigeria Geological Survey Agency NGSA, 2006. The Geological
Batte, A.G., Barifaijo, E., Keberu, J.M., Kawule, W., Muwanga, Map of Nigeria. A publication of Nigeria Geological Survey
Abstract: Three broad morphological zones can be differentiated at the weathering profile; the top, 3.80 m thick,
pedological soil (zone I with sub-zones IA, IB and IC) comprising soft to stiff, brown clays and the bottom bedrock
(zone III) being an outcrop of vesicular olivine basalt. The intermediate zone II (saprock) is 1.12 m thick and consists
of brown, very stiff, sandy clayey silt with many lateritic concretions. Laboratory constant head permeability tests
show the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) to vary with depth; sub-zone IB having a conductivity of 0.007 cm/hr,
and sub-zone IC (saprolite), and zone II (saprock), having conductivities of 0.147, and 0.447, cm/hr, respectively. The
conductivity values show no correlation with physical properties of the earth materials, but increase with increasing
sand, gravel, and silt, contents. The conductivity values also decrease with increasing clay and colloid contents.
The low hydraulic conductivity of sub-zone IB will lead to surface runoff and ponding over natural ground surfaces
during rainfall events, though over disturbed ground surfaces, infiltration is anticipated in view of exposed saprolite
and saprock earth materials with relatively high conductivity.
ISSN 0126–5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549 Warta Geologi, Vol. 47, No. 2, August 2021, pp. 113–121
John Kuna Raj
and in the laboratory, were determined as were water bridge of the Kuantan Bypass Highway during excavation
retention curves using the pressure plate method. Saturated works for widening of the road shoulder (Figure 1). The
hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was also determined in the cut is located on the side of a small valley with fresh basalt
laboratory using the constant head method. The study outcropping in the stream bed. Field mapping was first
showed that granite saprolite had the highest saturated carried out to identify weathering zones and sub-zones,
hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and in situ field infiltration i.e. layers of earth materials with similar morphological
rate, of 6.5, and 4.0, cm/hr, respectively, whilst the basalt features including color, texture, concretions, relict
saprolite had the lowest corresponding values of 0.10, and bedrock structures and core-boulders. Two sets of constant
0.03, cm/hr, respectively. The schist, and shale saprolites, volume samples were then collected at vertical depths of
furthermore had intermediate values of 1.10, and 0.25, 0.78 m, 2.65 m and 4.36 m; one set for determination
cm/hr, for saturated hydraulic conductivity, and 0.60, of physical and index properties of the earth materials,
and 0.06 cm/hr, for field infiltration rate, respectively. and the other for determination of the saturated hydraulic
Clay and sand contents as well as porosity, pore shape conductivity (Ks) (Figure 2 and Plate 1).
and pore size were found to influence the hydraulic Brass tubes of 4.0 cm length and 7.6 cm internal
conductivity; the study concluding that shale and basalt diameter were used for collection of each set of samples;
saprolites would be suitable for use as in situ wastewater the tubes having a wall thickness of 0.3 cm, except towards
treatment due to the low saturated hydraulic conductivity one end where the lower 1.5 cm tapered to a thickness of
(Hamdan et al., 2006). 0.15 cm to provide a cutting edge. Prior to sampling, the
In the course of a study on the characterization tubes were externally greased to facilitate entry into the soil
of weathering profiles in Malaysia, Raj (1983) has whilst surface materials were cleared to a depth of about
investigated a profile developed over the Kuantan Basalt. 0.5 m to minimize surface disturbance. The exposed earth
The characterization of this profile, based on field mapping materials were also cut into an approximately cylindrical
and the visual differentiation of morphological zones and shape, slightly larger than the tube diameters, prior to
sub-zones followed by laboratory determination of their sampling to reduce lateral compaction. A sampling tube
physical and index properties, has been earlier discussed with the cutting edge facing downwards was first driven
(Raj, 2021). In this paper are presented the results of
determination of the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks)
of earth materials within the weathering profile.
METHODOLOGY
The investigated weathering profile was exposed
along the Kuantan - Jabor trunk road, close to the overhead
Figure 1: Geological sketch map of the Kuantan area, Pahang Figure 2: Schematic sketch of morphological features in the
(after Azman & Nur Iskandar, 2007). weathering profile with sample locations (1 to 3).
The dolerite dykes were first considered as feeder plagioclase, augite, olivine, magnetite and limonite. The
fissures to the basaltic lavas, though K-Ar dating of a texture is normally inter-granular with augite crystals
dyke sample at 111 + 4 Ma, and a basalt sample at 1.6 occupying the spaces between plagioclase laths. Sub-
+ 0.2 Ma, indicated a long time interval between the ophitic textures are also seen in some coarser grained
two igneous events (Bignell & Snelling, 1977). The varieties where the euhedral phenocrysts show little or
dolerite dykes and basaltic lavas furthermore, differ in no corrosion and consist mainly of olivine and rarely of
petrology, age and paleo-magnetic directions, and are plagioclase.
thus not genetically related (Haile et al., 1983). Several
K-Ar radiometric dates yielding an average age of 1.7 + MORPHOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUB-ZONES
0.2 Ma clearly indicate the Quaternary occurrence of the IN THE WEATHERING PROFILE
Kuantan Basalt (Bignell & Snelling, 1977). Vertical variations in colour, texture and preservation
Initial work classified the Kuantan Basalt as an of original bedrock structures allowed differentiation of
olivine basalt, both with and without nepheline (Fitch, three broad zones; an upper pedological soil (zone I),
1951). A detailed study of thin-sections and several an intermediate saprock (zone II), and the underlying
chemical analyses, however, concluded that the Kuantan bedrock (zone III) (Table 1 and Figure 2). The zones are
Basalt involved two distinct and perhaps independent developed approximately parallel to the overlying ground
magma types, namely alkali olivine basalt magma and surface and are similar to those differentiated in earlier
olivine nephelinite magma (Chakraborty, 1977). The studies of weathering profiles over the Kuantan Basalt
olivine basalts were largely present in the western part (Hamdan et al., 2000; 2003).
of the Kuantan area, whilst the olivine nephelinites were The pedological soil is 3.6 m thick and can be
restricted to the eastern part. The sequence of eruptions is separated into IA, IB and IC soil horizons; the IA and IB
not known, though olivine nephelinite appeared, at least horizons constituting the solum, and the IC horizon, the
in part, to be later than olivine basalt (Chakraborty, 1979). saprolite (Table 1). The IA and IB horizons are relatively
A study of trace elements in the Kuantan Basalt noted thin and comprise soft to stiff, brown clays, whilst horizon
that the olivine basalt and olivine nephelinite are both IC is 1.52 m thick and consists of a stiff, brown silty clay
enriched in incompatible and light rare earth elements; with many lateritic concretions.
signatures comparable with Oceanic Island basalts and The saprock is only 1.12 m thick and consists of a
East African Rift basaltoids. It was thus concluded that very stiff, brown sandy clayey silt with many gravel sized
the geochemical evidence, as well as the timing, pointed lateritic concretions and a few core-boulders towards its
to a mantle plume-related genesis for the Kuantan Basalt, bottom (Table 1). The bedrock is a continuous outcrop of
rather than one related to wrench tectonics-induced basalt and can be separated into an upper sub-zone (IIIA)
extension (Azman & Nur Iskandar, 2007). with effects of weathering along and between joint planes,
At the investigated weathering profile, the exposed and a lower sub-zone (IIIB) with effects of weathering
bedrock is a black to dark green, micro-crystalline, along joint planes (Table 1).
vesicular olivine basalt with horizontal and vertical joints. Seepage was not observed at the time of investigation,
In thin-sections, the basalt is seen to be composed of calcic though an unconfined groundwater table is expected at
Table 1: Field description of morphological zones and sub-zones in the weathering profile.
Zone &
Depth (m) Field Description
Sub-zone
Brown (7.5YR4/4), soft clay; porous; crumbly dry; many roots; some burrows;
IA 0.00 - 0.60
boundary wavy, diffuse
Brown (7.5YR4/4), stiff clay; sub-angular blocky moist; friable dry; some large
IB 0.60 - 2.08
roots; few burrows; boundary wavy, diffuse
IC Brown (7.5YR4/4), stiff silty clay; sub-angular blocky moist; many lateritic
2.08 - 3.60
(Saprolite) concretions; boundary wavy, clear.
Brown (7.5YR4/4), very stiff, sandy silt; many gravel sized, lateritic concre-
II
3.60 - 4.72 tions; sub-angular blocky moist; core-boulders in lower part; indistinct relict
(Saprock)
joint planes; boundary irregular, diffuse
IIIA Basalt with weathering (staining & alteration to sandy silt) along and between
4.72 - 6.61
(Bedrock) discontinuity planes; boundary irregular, diffuse
IIIB
>6.61 Basalt outcrop with effects of weathering only along discontinuity planes only.
(Bedrock)
shallow depth in view of the adjacent perennial stream whose 3). Void ratios are similar to those of porosity with saprolite
bed is some 5 m vertically below the road shoulder level. having the minimum value of 1.16, and sub-zone IB,
and saprock, having values of 1.48, and 1.36. Moisture
RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTS contents show a limited variation and range from 39.5%
Physical properties of sampled earth materials to 49.0% (Table 3).
The sampled earth materials, although all brown in
colour with somewhat similar textural features (Table 2), Index properties of sampled earth materials
show some differences in physical properties (Table 3). Grain size analyses show distinct differences with
Sub-zone IC (saprolite) has the highest dry unit weight of the saprock (zone II) having relatively large silt and sand
12.36 kN/m3, whilst sub-zone IB, and zone II, have dry unit contents, whilst sub-zone IB sample has a predominantly
weights of 10.80, and 11.50, kN/m3, respectively. Values clay content, and sub-zone IC (saprolite), large clay
of dry density are similar to those of dry unit weight; the and silt contents (Table 3). Fine clay (<0.002 mm size)
saprolite with a dry density of 1,260 kg/m3, and sub-zone contents are distinctly variable with sample sub-zone IB
IB, and saprock, with dry densities of 1,101, and 1, 172, having the largest content (73%), whilst the saprolite,
kg/m3. The specific gravity of constituent soil particles and saprock, samples have contents of 35%, and 19%,
is similar (2.73) for the samples from sub-zones IB and respectively (Table 3). Colloid (<0.001 mm size) contents
IC, but slightly higher for the saprock sample (2.75) due are also distinctly variable; the sub-zone IB sample having
to the lateritic concretions present (Table 3). the largest content of 68%, and the saprock and saprolite
Porosity is variable with the saprolite having the samples with contents of 30%, and 15% (Table 3).
minimum value of 53.8%, whilst sub-zone IB, and saprock, Plastic limits of the fine fractions (<0.42 mm size)
have porosities of 59.7%, and 57.4%, respectively (Table range from 40.6% to 48.7%, whilst liquid limits are only
determinable for the sub-zone IB and saprolite samples are sample (2) shows a similar gradual decrease in discharge
70.0%, and 63.5%, respectively (Table 3). These results with time and reaches a constant value after some 9 hours
indicate that the samples would plot below the “A-line” of elapsed time (Table 6). The saprock sample (3) starts
in the Plasticity Chart of the Unified Soil Classification with a fairly large discharge that quickly decreases and
System and thus be classified as silty to sandy clays becomes constant after some 5 hours of elapsed time
(Wagner, 1957). (Table 7).
Values of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks)
Discharge and saturated hydraulic conductivity calculated from the above results are presented in Table 8.
(Ks)
The permeability tests were carried out with DISCUSSION
constant heads of between 132 and 136 cm and involved Comparison with published data
measurement of the volume (cm3) of water collected in The limited published data available for comparison
fixed time periods (minutes) at different elapsed times is from a basalt saprolite in the Kuantan area (Hamdan
(in hours) from the start. The results of these tests are et al., 2006). The investigated sample was described
presented in Tables 5 to 7 to serve as reference for future as a clay loam with a bulk density of 1.10 g/cm3, total
work. porosity of 40%, moisture content of 26.7%, and consisted
The sub-zone IB sample (1) shows a gradual decrease of 16%, 30% and 54%, of sand, silt and clay sized
in discharge with time and reaches a constant value after particles, respectively. In situ field measurements yielded
some 12 hours of elapsed time (Table 5). The saprolite an infiltration rate of 0.03 cm/hr, whilst constant head
Table 5: Constant head (134 cm) permeability test on sample 1 from sub-zone IB.
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ks)
Time from start (hours) Discharge (cm3/hr)
(cm/hr)
0.68 30.73 0.0202
1.88 22.08 0.0145
3.47 18.95 0.0125
7.57 12.44 0.0082
13.52 11.09 0.0073
Table 6: Constant head (132 cm) permeability test on sample 2 from sub-zone IC.
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ks)
Time from start (hours) Discharge (cm3/hr)
(cm/hr)
0.08 660.0 0.4409
0.25 618.0 0.4128
0.50 580.0 0.3874
0.78 547.1 0.3654
2.78 450.0 0.3006
2.85 450.0 0.3006
3.03 420.0 0.2806
3.33 396.7 0.2650
3.78 377.8 0.2523
6.32 240.8 0.1608
9.40 220.5 0.1473
14.02 219.9 0.1469
laboratory tests gave a saturated hydraulic conductivity plotted against physical properties of the earth materials.
(Ks) of 0.10 cm/hr. A study of the shapes and sizes of Plots of hydraulic conductivity versus dry unit weight for
the pores present indicated that the basalt saprolite was instance, yield an extremely low coefficient (R2=0.0643),
not very porous with low amounts of micro-, and meso-, as do plots of hydraulic conductivity versus porosity
pores, and extremely few macro-pores. The high clay (R2=0.0353).
content was considered responsible for the low volume Plots of hydraulic conductivity versus index properties
of pores as well as relatively low values of infiltration of the earth materials, however, yield variable trends with
rate and hydraulic conductivity (Hamdan et al., 2006). moderate to large, correlation coefficients (R2) even with
The saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of 0.147 the limited number of samples involved. Positive trends
cm/hr determined for the saprolite sample in the present for instance, with moderate correlation coefficients are
study can be correlated directly with the reported rate seen when conductivity values are plotted against sand and
of 0.10 cm/hr by Hamdan et al. (2006). The saprolite gravel contents (R2= 0.7888), and silt contents (R2=0.8491)
samples of the present study furthermore, has fairly similar (Figures 4 and 5). Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is
physical and soil index properties as those of the sample thus expected to increase with an increase in the gravel,
investigated by Hamdan et al. (2006). sand and silt contents.
Plots of hydraulic conductivity versus clay contents
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and furthermore, yield a negative trend with a fairly large
properties of sampled earth materials correlation coefficient (R2=0.8198) (Figure 6). Negative
Regression analyses yield low to very low, correlation trends are also found when hydraulic conductivity
coefficients (R2) when values of saturated conductivity are is plotted against fine clay (R2=0.8198), and colloid,
Table 7: Constant head (136 cm) permeability test on sample 3 from saprock (zone II).
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ks)
Time from start (hours) Discharge (cm3/hr)
(cm/hr)
Table 8: Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of earth materials from the weathering profile.
Figure 4: Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) versus sand Figure 5: Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) versus silt
and gravel content. content.
CONCLUSION
Three broad morphological zones can be differentiated
at the weathering profile; the top, 3.60 m thick, pedological
soil (zone I) comprising brown, soft to stiff, clays. The
intermediate saprock (zone II) is 1.12 m thick and consists
of brown, very stiff, sandy clayey silt with many lateritic
concretions, whilst the bottom bedrock (zone III) is an
outcrop of vesicular olivine basalt with weathering along
joints. Laboratory constant head permeability tests show
the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) to vary with
depth; the IB sub-zone having a conductivity of 0.007
Figure 6: Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) versus clay cm/hr, whilst the saprolite (sub-zone IC), and saprock
content (zone II) have conductivities of 0.147, and 0.447, cm/hr,
respectively. The conductivity values show no correlation
(R2=0.8085), contents. Saturated hydraulic conductivity is with physical properties of the earth materials, but increase
thus expected to decrease with an increase in clay contents. with increasing sand and gravel contents, as well as
increasing silt contents. The conductivity values also
Variation of saturated hydraulic conductivity decrease with increasing clay contents. The low hydraulic
(Ks) within weathering profile conductivity of sub-zone IB will lead to surface runoff
The results show the saturated hydraulic conductivity and ponding over natural ground surfaces during rainfall
(Ks) to vary with depth; the IB sub-zone having a saturated events, though over disturbed ground surfaces, infiltration
hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of 0.007 cm/hr, the saprolite is anticipated in view of exposed saprolite and saprock
(sub-zone IC) a conductivity of 0.147 cm/hr, and the earth materials with relatively high conductivity.
saprock (zone II) a conductivity of 0.447 cm/hr (Table
8). The upper pedalogical soil profile (zone I) thus has ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
the lowest values of saturated hydraulic conductivity, Financial support for the preparation of this paper
whilst the lower saprock (zone II) has a relatively large from the University of Malaya Research Grant 043/09AFR
conductivity. These variations will influence the infiltration is gratefully acknowledged. Grateful thanks are extended
and runoff of water during rainfall events over natural, to the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable
and disturbed, ground surfaces over the Kuantan Basalt. comments.
In areas of undisturbed natural ground surfaces, ponding
and surface runoff can be anticipated, though at slope cuts, REFERENCES
and other areas of disturbed ground, there will be fairly Azman, A. G. & Nur Iskandar, T., 2007. New trace, major and
rapid infiltration and percolation of rainwater. rare earth element data for the Early Pleistocene alkali
olivine basalts and olivine nephelinites from Kuantan, of a basaltic regolith from Pahang, Kuantan. Pertanika, Jour.
Pahang: Plume-related rift volcanics or wrench-related Trop. Agricultural Science, 26, 79-88.
crustal extension? Bulletin of the Geological Society of Hamdan, J., Ch’ng, L.P. & Ruhana, B., 2006. Saturated hydraulic
Malaysia, 53, 111-117. conductivity of some saprolites from Peninsular Malaysia.
Bates, R.L. & Jackson, J.A., 1980. Glossary of Geology. Malaysian Jour. Soil Science, 10, 13-24.
American Geophysical Institute, Falls Church, Virginia, Lewis, M.A., Cheney, C.S. & O’Dochartaigh, B.E., 2006. Guide to
United States. 788 p. Permeability Indices. British Geological Survey, Keyworth,
Bignell, J.D., 1972. The geochronology of the Malayan granites. Nottingham, NERC Open Research Archive. Retrieved May
(Unpubl) D.Phil. Thesis, Univ. Oxford. 334 p. 1, 2019 from http://www.bgs.ac.uk.
Bignell, J.D. & Snelling, N.J., 1977. K-Ar dates on some basic Raj, J.K., 1983. A study of residual soils and the stability of
igneous rocks from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. their slope cuts. Ph.D. Thesis (Unpublished), University
Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, 8, 89-93. of Malaya. 462 p.
Chakraborty, K.R., 1977. Olivine nephelinite and limburgite from Raj, J.K., 1990. The Kuantan Basalts - A multi-vent origin. Warta
Kuantan, Pahang. Warta Geologi, 3(1), 1-6. Geologi, 16(6), 203-210.
Chakraborty, K.R., 1979. Spinel lherzolite inclusion in limburgite Raj, J.K., 2009. Geomorphology. In: Hutchison, C.S. & Tan,
from Kuantan, Peninsular Malaysia. Warta Geologi, 5(5), D.N.K. (Eds.), Geology of Peninsular Malaysia, Univ.
63-66. Malaya & Geol. Soc. Malaysia, Malaysia, p.5-29.
Fitch, F.H., 1951. The geology and mineral resources of the Raj, J.K., 2021. Characterizing a weathering profile over the
neighbourhood of Kuantan, Pahang. Geol. Survey Dept., Kuantan basalt. Bulletin of the Geological Society of
Federation of Malaya, Mem. 6. 144 p. Malaysia (in press).
GBRRL (Great Britain Road Research Laboratory), 1959. Soil Sharp, J.M. Jr., 2007. A Glossary of Hydrogeological Terms:
Mechanics for Road Engineers. Great Britain Road Research Department of Geological Sciences, Univ. of Texas,
Laboratory, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, Great Britain. Austin, Texas. Retrieved May 1, 2019 from http://www.
541 p. geo.utexas.edu.
Haile, N.S., Beckinsale, R.D., Chakraborty, K.R., Abdul USDA (United States of Agriculture), 2018. Soil Survey Technical
Hanif Hussien & T. Hardjono, 1983. Palaeomagnetism, Note 6. United States Dept. of Agriculture. Retrieved May
geochronology and petrology of the dolerite dykes and 1, 2019 from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal.
basaltic lavas from Kuantan, West Malaysia. Bulletin of Wagner, A.A., 1957. The use of the Unified Soil Classification
the Geological Society of Malaysia, 16, 71-85. System by the Bureau of Reclamation. Proc. 4th Int. Conf.
Hamdan, J., Ruhana, B. & McRae, S.G., 2000. Characteristics of Soil Mech. Foundn. Eng., London, 2, 125-134.
regolith developed on basalt in Pahang, Malaysia. Comm. Wentworth, C.K., 1922. A scale for grade and class terms for
Soil Science & Plant Analysis, 31, 981-993. clastic sediments. Journal of Geology, 30, 377-392.
Hamdan, J., Pelp, M. & Ruhana, B., 2003. Weathering behaviour
Abstract: The sketching of geological features and objects played an important role in the development of the
geosciences. Geological sketches may not be as commonly used for documentation purposes any longer, but may
facilitate learning and understanding. By sketching geological features, the eye is trained to observe; this furthers
understanding, and so improves study results.
* The author of this essay is a free-lance geologist and geophysicist, and offers training in field geology, subsurface studies
and petroleum science. He is affiliated with the Curtin University Sarawak, where he led the geosciences department as Assoc.
Prof. from 2009 to 2012.
ISSN 0126–5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549 Warta Geologi, Vol. 47, No. 2, August 2021, pp. 122-125
Geological sketches – out of time and fashion, but obsolete? An Essay
Gradual understanding, however, is proportional to in the context of stratigraphic analysis (Figure 3). But
the time and effort invested. Stimulated during patient let´s address first another issue: different data properties.
observation it develops step by step.
BI-POLAR GEOSCIENCE
ARE GEOLOGICAL FEATURES UNIQUE? Geosciences also appear to be bi-polar. One pole is
This interesting question is not so easy to answer. relatively recent and dwells in a crowd of numbers mostly
In a way, geological features have no equal. This said, dealt with in the context of empirical science: data, large
they are the results of genuine processes in nature, in number, such as in geophysical 3D interpretation, can
and a combination of parameters and timing will speak for themselves, as long as they are properly filtered
determine the structure and shape. Let me take an and cleaned. The other pole maybe called scientific-
example of two volcanoes, which erupted and formed artistical understanding. It developed in several leaps as
islands. Made of a very similar type of lava, eruption early as in old Egypt, Greece and then, with increasing
characteristics and oceanographic settings, two nearly impact, from the Renaissance onwards. Often, this pole
morphologically identical islands developed: Stromboli is characterized by an analog and relatively low-data-
in the Mediterranean (Italy), Figure 2 left, and Batu Tara intensity environment.
Lembata, Figure 2 right in the Flores Sea (Indonesia).
Both islands are strikingly similar. Therefore, it The digital pole
can be concluded that features are replicated over and Over the last 100 years, an increasing flood of available
over again in geological time, following the logic of the data backed by powerful computing has pushed geology
same processes, leading to highly similar manifestations. in the direction of empirical science. Data are forced into
For this very reason it makes sense to study analogues, a model which can be measured and compared against
knowing that the studied examples may pave our way to other data models, and assessed in money terms. Quite
understanding of the processes at work. There are many often data points may contain elements of interpretation
cases where we can study source rocks, reservoirs and that can be overlooked. The ability to separate real data
sealing units in coastal areas, whilst, nearby in the offshore from interpretative contamination is in itself a struggle,
similar but not the same units are part of a petroleum which must be won if scientific goals are cherished. 3D
system. Generations of geoscientists have shown their simulations and maps are among the most important
understanding through sketches and maps, particularly geoscience products and are derived in most cases from
Figure 2: The volcanic islands Stromboli (Italy, left) and Batu Tara Lembata (Indonesia, right) are stunningly similar in terms
of size, morphology, altitude and magma composition.
Figure 3: A stratigraphic section of the Luconia carbonate platform in Northern Sarawak. It illustrates a presumed structure of
the carbonate layers on the Miocene Sarawak shelf, and displaying a crestal reef development. The above version stems from P.
Lunt & M. Madon, Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 63, June 2017. Sketches like the shown example are
very useful in showing stratigraphic and facies relationships. Downloaded from Researchgate.
a large amount of data. In our profession as well as in with geophysical data. It is a fruitful exercise to sit down,
almost any other, artificial intelligence conquers elements take one´s time and study and sketch the features in front
of human craftsmanship. of our eyes. Such activity does not replace photography as
Although modern workstations and programs offer such, but helps to distill the most important elements of
excellent cross-section displays from seismic, it can be a scene or outcrop. In a nutshell, sketching serves as an
a good exercise, and often helpful to summarize and excellent approach to develop our capacity to understand.
sketch one´s understanding of a computer display on a In my second sketch example (Figure 5), I am showing
piece of paper. a sketch done on a hot summer day in the mountains
of Tyrol. I was in the middle of my PhD studying a
The scientific-artistical pole: sketches offer relatively thin evaporitic sequence called Raibl Beds
excellent learning wedged between the Late Triassic reefal Wettersteinkalk
Let´s talk now about the other geoscience spectrum and the evaporitic mudflat sequence of the Hauptdolomit.
pole, characterized by a lower data density, and mostly I sat down and watched carefully, then sketched what I
analog data. Observing rocks can be challenging, given that
nature is complex (either truly complex or appearing to be
complex due to mis-understanding or mis-interpretation).
In other words, there is a difference between a feature being
naturally complex, and one that may be simply difficult to
comprehend. Understanding is typically a gradual result
of observation and study- such as during the process of
making a geological sketch. An understanding may not
be there at the beginning, but may develop during the
time a sketch is made. The aim and purpose of any good
sketch is to communicate details of a feature, but often
simplified in such ways that it delivers its essence in one
glance. Historically, we see here a shift from a tool used
to document a finding to a tool which helps to document
and understand geology. Figure 4: Planning and review: a primitive stratigraphic sketch
of an Alpine sequence (Triassic, carbonates and clastic strata),
UNDERSTANDING, QUALITY, SIMPLICITY both serving as documentation as well as a planning tool for
It is a characteristic of the current zeitgeist to focus further field work. Planning of field trips in rugged terrain is
on results, and to make use of sophistic algorithms to crucial in view of logistics and safety, and such a sketch can
speed up work and reduce cost. Unfortunately, it has help locate and document previous field work points as well.
been shown that this approach can lead to results of poor
or mediocre quality. It is obvious that understanding is
sourced by a good scientific analysis, and this applies to
both the above mentioned data poles in the geoscience
spectrum. A good approach would be to simply spend
as much time as possible with our data, be it in the field
or in front of a computer screen. This would allow us to
develop our thinking and understanding through pertinent,
careful observation. We might label it as a data-observation
structure or protocol.
Quality is achieved if we are able to develop
geological insight and a mindful work and a good training
protocol. A couple of years ago we discussed, together
with the eminent geologist, the late C.S. Hutchison
the issues around complexity and simplicity. We then
came to the conclusion that simple solutions are more
likely when compared to complex ones, which means
that simplicity may be a magic red thread leading to
an improved understanding. Accordingly, it might be
worthwhile to achieve simplicity within a product. Strong
personal exposure to fieldwork and field mapping may Figure 5: An attempt to encompass and understand a tectonic
help develop such a skill, even if one is dealing mainly setting by adding colours to a sketch.
Abstract: Metamorphic rocks of Sarawak have been dated and are not Upper Carboniferous or older rocks nor are
they correlatives of the Pinoh Metamorphics of Kalimantan. Two newly-dated rocks are Triassic and are named the
West Sarawak Metamorphics and a third sample is Cretaceous.
It is good to see the recent geological note concerning and other rocks and the supposed Pre-Upper Carboniferous
the Kuching Zone by Najiatun Najla Mohamad et al. age was based on the assumption that the metamorphic
(2020) in Warta Geologi identifying unresolved issues and rocks represent an older basement to the unmetamorphosed
new work needed to better understand the Kuching Zone Terbat Formation and other sedimentary rocks.
of Sarawak. No one interested in the geology of Borneo Table 1 also records that “There is no proper age
could disagree with their conclusion that “The geology dating conducted to this metamorphic basement (Tan,
of Kuching Zone is very complex, and the interpretations 1986; Tate, 1991). The Pinoh Metamorphic is also undated
concerning the geological history are still arguable and and assumed to be Paleozoic (Breitfeld et al., 2017)”.
not fully resolved”. However, the note overlooked or None of these assertions is correct although they may
misunderstood some recent work concerning the age have been considered reasonable before the publication
of metamorphic rocks despite citing a recent paper by of Breitfeld et al. (2017) and recent dating studies cited
Breitfeld et al. (2017) which recorded the new age data. by them. Breitfeld et al. (2017) did not assume the Pinoh
The note comments that “undated Pre-Upper Metamorphics to be Paleozoic although they did point out
Carboniferous Kerait Schist and Tuang Formation were in their introduction that “until recently, the metamorphic
considered to be the oldest rocks in this zone due to rocks in SW Borneo and the Kuching Zone of Sarawak
similarities with the Pinoh Metamorphic in Kalimantan were undated but were considered to be Paleozoic
(Tan, 1986)”. Several other authors have made the same basement”. However, they then went on to cite work by
correlation despite the fact that metamorphic rocks in Davies (2013) and Davies et al. (2014) that had dated the
Sarawak are separated from the Pinoh Metamorphic Pinoh Metamorphics as Cretaceous. A detailed account of
rocks in Kalimantan by a wide zone including melanges the dating of the Pinoh Metamorphics and other rocks of
considered to mark sutures. It is true to say that until the Schwaner Mountains can be found in Breitfeld et al.
recently the metamorphic rocks known as the Kerait (2020) and there can be no doubt of their Cretaceous age.
Schist and Tuang Formation were undated, although the In the same paper Breitfeld et al. (2017) pointed
claim that the rocks are “Pre-Upper Carboniferous” should out that their new results, from previously undated
be identified as an assumption. As Table 1 records, the metamorphic rocks in Sarawak, required revision of the
Kerait Schist was considered to be older than the Terbat assumption that they were Permian/Carboniferous or older
Formation merely because it is a metamorphic rock and basement. Ar-Ar dating of micas from two samples of
is more strongly deformed; there is no other evidence. No the Kerait Schist and Tuang Formation yielded Triassic
contacts have been observed between metamorphic rocks ages and since the different formation names were based
ISSN 0126–5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549 Warta Geologi, Vol. 47, No. 2, August 2021, pp. 126–127
Metamorphic rocks of the Kuching Zone Sarawak: Comment on Najiatun Najla Mohamad et al. (2020)
AGENDA
2. Adoption of Agenda
The Chairperson tabled the following agenda to the AGM for acceptance:
1. Welcoming Address by the President for Session 2019/2020
2. Confirmation of Minutes of the 53rd AGM
3. Matters Arising
4. Annual Report for Session 2019/2020
a. President’s Report
b. Secretary’s Report
c. Editor’s Report
d. Treasurer’s Report
e. Honorary Auditor’s Report
f. GSM Endowment Fund Report
5. Election of Honorary Auditor
6. Other Matters
7c. ASEAN Federation of Geoscience The Council reported, the item was expected to be discussed during GEOSEA
Organisations (AFGO) 2020 but the event had been postponed due to COVID-19.
Policy/Agenda, …” , and proposed that “work closely in partnership with JMG” would be more concise.
• Dato’ Yunus Abdul Razak proposed GSM should connect to young geologists and active in Young Earth Scientists
(YES) Network.
Action: Incoming Council
Dr Abdul Ghani Md Rafek proposed that the President’s Report to be accepted, seconded by Mr Nicholas Jacob and
Mr Abd Hanan B Ahmad Nadzeri.
b. Secretary’s Report
Lim Choun Sian tabled the Secretary’s Report and Assistant Secretary’s Report.
The AGM discussed the following matters:
• Prof Joy Pereira and Dato’ Yunus Abdul Razak proposed to add that GSM as the GEOSEA Secretariat.
Action: Incoming Council
Prof Joy Pereira proposed that the Secretary’s Report to be accepted, seconded by Dato’ Yunus Abdul Razak and
Datuk Fateh Chand. Mr Abd Hanan B Ahmad Nadzeri proposed that the Assistant Secretary’s to be accepted, seconded
by Dato’ Yunus Abdul Razak and Dr Abdul Ghani Md Rafek.
c. Editor’s Report
Wan Hasiah Abdullah tabled the Editor’s Report.
The AGM discussed the following matters:
• Mr Askury Abd Kadir suggested GSM Bulletin to be link up with AAPG. Suggestion via text message in ZOOM:
Mr Askury Abd Kadir proposed an Honorarium for Chief Editor (TBC in constitution).
Action: Incoming Council
Dr Abdul Ghani Md Rafek proposed that the Editor’s Report to be accepted, seconded by Mr Abd Hanan B Ahmad
Nadzeri.
d. Treasurer’s Report
It was reported under 4(e), see item 4(e).
7. Other Matters
Matters and Responses:
7.1 Formation of IGM-GSM Chapters for Sabah and Sarawak
The AGM in principal agreed to the proposal. The Council to report on the term of references and financial
commitment of the formation.
Action: Incoming Council
7.2 Affirmation of Upper Segama Sabah Jurassic and Triassic Granitic Rocks by Radiometric U-Pb Dates.
Mr Leong K.M., the proposer of the agenda, was absent at the AGM. No discussion was made.
Information
Councillors 2020/2022:
Mr. Ahmad Tariq Ahmad Ziyad (Orogenic Resources Bhd)
Mr. Awg Mohd Faizal Awg Mohamad Hamssin
Ms. Maryam Syazana Dzulkefli
Mr. Tan Chun Hock
Councillors 2020/2021:
Prof. Joy Jacqueline Pereira (SEADPRI-UKM)
Dr. Nur Iskandar Taib (UM)
Mr. Tan Boon Kong (Consultant)
Dato’ Yunus Abdul Razak (SEADPRI-UKM)
Information
1.0) INTRODUCTION
The Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM) has sustained its objective of actively promoting the advancement of the geological
sciences in the country and the region. Over the past year, GSM continued with activities that were designed to strengthen the
capacity of geoscientists and had embarked on initiatives to formalise collaborations and alliances with key institutions within
the geoscience fraternity. The pandemic covid-19 really holding us back in many ways. The year 2020 was very quiet for GSM.
Most of events has been organised or to be organised virtually. This is a new normal that we have to live in. Soon, all events
may be organised in hybrid format, partly face to face and partly online.
GSM also has signed a MOU with Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) in June 2017.
GSM has commissioned the Geological Student Club of UMS to be the first GSM Students Club’ @ UMS. All GSM Students
Club will receive financial support of RM2,000 per year to organise activities and events related to advancement of geoscience
knowledge and the promotion of geoscience. GSM also organised Convention for Future Leaders on Geoscience on 25 February
2021. The participants were the leaders of geological clubs at local universities. Trust GSM can tap future members and future
leaders at very early stage even before students enter the real-world challenge. The President and/or appointed Council Members
will continue to visit as many geological departments in local universities possible throughout the year. The visit to Universiti
Sains Malaysia and Curtin University, Sarawak has yet to be materialised.
3.1.3) GEOSEA
GSM continued to be the secretariat for the Regional Congress on Geology, Minerals and Energy Resources of Southeast Asian
(GEOSEA) until 2022. The 16th edition of the Congress or GEOSEAXVI which was supposed to be organised in December 2020
has been postponed to December 2021. It will be hosted by the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) scheduled to be in full
virtual format with the theme of ‘5+1 years after ASEAN integration: Milestones, Challenges and Perspectives for Geoscientists’.
Four founding members of GEOSEA, i.e. GSM, GSP, GST and IAGI has signed a MOU for the establishment of ASEAN
Federation of Geoscience Organisation (AFGeo) on 7th April 2021. Next will be the roadmap for ASEAN Register of Professional
Geologists.
We also proposed to change the name of Regional Congress on Geology, Minerals and Energy Resources of Southeast Asian
to ‘Regional Geoscience Congress of Southeast Asia’ with the same abbreviation of GEOSEA to reflect the vast expansion of
application of geoscience in many aspects, activities and industries.
The 17th GEOSEA will be organised by GSM in Miri, Sarawak in October 2022. We are planning to organise a joint
conference featuring NGC2022 and IGM’s SGP2022 with a week full of geoscience activities. Announcement will be made soon
by the upcoming President.
3.1.4) CCOP
GSM will continue to remain as observer status in CCOP and be part of Malaysian delegations as agreed by Director-General
of Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Malaysia (JMG) in 2018. Trust GSM members will benefit from the many events organised
by CCOP.
3.2) Publications
E-publication initiative really helps improving our financial status greatly. The Editorial Committee will continue to improve
and upgrade our Warta Geologi which is published three times a year now to be Scorpus-indexed. The Bulletin of the Geological
Society of Malaysia, consistently published twice a year now and on the right track to achieve ISI-index status. The index will
ensure our Bulletin to become one of the sought-after publications in this region by researchers and readers.
I would like to thank Editorial Committee lead by Prof. Dr. Wan Hasiah as Editor, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Tham Fatt as
the Managing Editor for the Bulletin and Puan Wan Aida as the Editorial Executive for their tireless efforts.
3.3) Membership
My initial target that GSM may achieve 1,000 memberships by the end of 2020 is materialised. GSM membership is now
standing at 1,097 as at 31 December 2020. The challenge now is on how to maintain and/or increase the numbers.
I am glad that new leadership of JMG as well as BOG have taken several steps that I believe will benefit geoscience fraternity.
As a final remark, I used ‘Better Practice through Research’ as one of my business tag line which I believe research or
improvement of knowledge and practice are inseparable. I also believe that academic and industry should walk hand in hand.
Therefore, I also believe that one day, when all of us are ready, the GSM and IGM should be merged into single entity so that
we are more focus on our existence and purposes.
Prepared by:
Abd Rasid Jaapar
President 2020/2021
30 April 2021
On behalf of the members of the Council of the Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM), it is my pleasure to
present the Secretary’s Report for the session 2020/2021.
Society Structure
The Society’s stakeholders are the members of the Society led by an elected Council. The Council’s main functions
are to set directions to promote the advancement of geosciences, endorse activities and provide guidance for the
execution of the activities of the Society. The Council is supported by 10 Working Groups, and an Editorial Committee
(formerly known as Editorial Group). There is no regional representative as of this term. The Working Groups were
increased from 9 to 10 in the year 2020, details to be table out in subsequent section.
The Council
The Council for the Geological Society of Malaysia for 2020/2021 session resumed their office after the 54th AGM
on the 26 June 2020. Council for 2021/2022, upon the closing of nominations, only single nominations were
received respectively for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Editor
and Councillors.
Councillors 2020-2021:
• Prof. Joy Jacqueline Pereira (SEADPRI-UKM)
• Dr. Nur Iskandar Taib (UM)
• Mr. Tan Boon Kong (Consultant)
• Dato’ Yunus Abdul Razak (SEADPRI-UKM)
Council Meetings
During the 2020/2021 session, given the pandemic of COVID-19 circumstances, virtual meeting was preferred
and held on various times. The Council met virtually 5 times. The attendance of the council members to the meetings
is presented in the table below:
Working Groups
The Working Groups and the Chairs for the session were appointed during the Council Meeting as follows:
WORKING GROUP Chairpersons
1 Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology & Environmental Geology Tan Boon Kong
2 Promotion of Geoscience, Social Media & Digital Content Ms Azianti Asmari
3 Economic Geology & Mineral Resources Dr. K.K. Cheang
4 Regional Geology Askury Abd Kadir
5 Geophysics Jamaluddin Othman
6 Petroleum Geoscience Tan Chun Hock
7 Young Geologist & Student outreach Maryam Dzulkifli
8 GSM-IGM Joint Committee Ahmad Nizam Hassan
9 IT & Website Dr. Lim Choun Sian
10 GSM-IGM Flagship on Geoscience to Action for Disaster Risk Reduction (G2A4DRR) Prof Joy Pereira
Membership
As at 31st December 2020, the total number of members in the Society stands at 1099, has increased from 762
as of 2019. The increase is mainly from Student category and slight drop decrease in Full Member category. The
table below presents the breakdown in membership categories and their geographical breakdown.
Breakdowns of Membership:
Total Total Total
COUNTRY Hon Life Full Assoc. Student Inst.
2020 2019 2018
Malaysia 12 400 127 2 (9) 472 (145) - 1013 672 561
Australia 1 17 (20) - - - - 18 22 20
Bangladesh - 1 - - - 1 2 2
Brunei - 2 - - - 2 2 1
Canada - 3 - - - 3 2 1
China - 1 - - - 1 1 3
Europe - 14 (11) - - - 3 (3) 17 15 13
Hong Kong - 1 - - - 1 1 2
India - 1 - - - 1 1 1
Indonesia - 8 - - 0 (3) 8 10 3
Japan - 3 - - 3 3 2
Libya - 3 - - 3 3 2
New Zealand - 2 - - 2 2 -
Philliphines - 2 - - 2 1 2
Qatar - 1 - - 1 0 -
Singapore - 9 - - 9 9 8
Thailand - 2 - - 2 3 3
USA - 11 - - 1 12 12 7
Total 2020 1099
Total 2019 13 465 122 10 149 3 762 -
Total 2018 12 435 92 9 138 3 - 689
Note : i) (X)Y , Whereby X is current year and Y is previous year numbers.
Country listed are based on mailing address, not Nationality-based
Joint Secretariat:
This Council year, the GSM-IGM Joint Committee met on 27 Nov 2020 and 19th April 2021. The Joint Committee,
an initiative under an agreement signed between GSM and IGM on 5 April 2013 and was tasked to set up various
subcommittees with the objectives, among others, to promote education, research, and graduate membership, and to
oversee and review geoscience curricula in Malaysian universities. The meetings discussed on future joint organisation
of NGC, technical talks, geoscience curricula and continuous professional development program.
Activities:
Bil Date Activity Topic Venue Collaborators
6 22-Mar-21 Seminar on Coastal & Marine Geology Online seminar Zoom IGM, UMT, Geodream.
5 Geophysics N/A
• Extended invitation to members for virtual talks/conferences from various
6 Petroleum Geoscience
sources
• Convention for Future Leader in Geoscience (February 2021).
7 Young Geologist & Student outreach • Converting student membership to full membership.
• #GSMRestoreOurEarth campaign through digital media (Ongoing)
• IGM-GSM JC Meeting 27th Nov 2020
8 GSM-IGM Joint Committee
• IGM-GSM JC Meeting 19th April 2021
9 IT & Website Conceptualize next website design.
GSM-IGM Flagship on Geoscience
10 to Action for Disaster Risk Reduction • Training on DDR & Climate Change
(G2A4DRR)
GSM Awards
GSM has set up numerous awards for members, namely Hutchison Best Student Award and N.S. Haile Publication
Award. Here are the awards given by the Society for the year 2020:
• N.S HAILE PUBLICATION AWARD 2020 : Yeng Yu He
• HUTCHISON BEST STUDENT AWARD 2020 : Mohd Adli Zikry Mohd Norzaidi (UKM)
• HUTCHISON BEST STUDENT AWARD 2020 : Noor Mohamed Mohd Kassim (UM)
• HUTCHISON BEST STUDENT AWARD 2020 : Chang Shen Chang (UMK)
• HUTCHISON BEST STUDENT AWARD 2019 : Carel Tan (UKM)
• HUTCHISON BEST STUDENT AWARD 2020 : Nur Khaleeda Muhamad Adzrill (UM)
Acknowledgement
The Society would like to record its utmost appreciation to all the individuals and organisations in supporting
the virtual activities (NGC). Special mention must be made of the tremendous support by the Head and staff of the
Geology Department, University of Malaya especially in the use of its premises for most of the Society’s meetings
and activities.
The continued co-operation and support extended by JMG, PETRONAS, UKM, UMS, UTP, IGM, ANCST and
Newton-Ungku Omar project partners is recorded with gratitude. The unwavering support of Ms. Anna Lee and Ms
Wan Aida in the administration of GSM is also very much appreciated.
Last but not least, the Council also wishes to record its appreciation to all GSM members for their advice, and
special mention to Dr. Lim Choun Sian (previous secretary, currently treasurer) on your guidance, reminder and
support throughout the session.
Stock remaining by
Publications Sales 2020 Remarks
end of 2020
Bulletin 34 0 29
Bulletin 35 Out of Stock
Bulletin 36 0 62
Bulletin 37 0 114
Bulletin 38 0 180
Bulletin 39 Out of Stock
Bulletin 40 0 64
Bulletin 41 Out of Stock
Bulletin 42 0 Out of Stock
Bulletin 43 0 96
Bulletin 44 0 14
Bulletin 45 Out of Stock
Bulletin 46 Out of Stock
Bulletin 47 Out of Stock
Bulletin 48 0 6
Bulletin 49 0 268
Bulletin 50 0 305
Bulletin 51 0 178
Bulletin 52 0 192
Bulletin 53 0 290
Bulletin 54 0 240
Bulletin 55 0 264
Bulletin 56 0 312
Bulletin 57 0 23
Bulletin 58 0 Out of Stock
Bulletin 59 0 77
Bulletin 60 0 78
Bulletin 61 0 38
Bulletin 62 Out of Stock
Bulletin 63 Out of Stock
Bulletin 64 Out of Stock
Bulletin 65 0 688
Bulletin 66 0 689
E-Bulletin 67 0 36
E-Bulletin 68 0 36
Bulletin 69 4 33 5 copies to National Library
Bulletin 70 4
33 8 copies to Minister of Internal Affairs
Sales and stock of publications for 2020 (All other GSM publications)
Stock remaining by
Other Publications Sales 2020
end of 2020
Proceeding AGC 2000 Out of Stock
Proceeding AGC 2001 0 102
Malaysian Stratigraphic guide Out of Stock
Lexicon of stratigraphy Out of Stock
Stratigraphic correlation Out of Stock
Rocks poster Out of Stock
Geology of Borneo (CD) Out of Stock
Geology of Borneo (Map) 0 682
Geol. Evolution of SEA 9 412
Geology of P. Malaysia 61 398
There was a consensus decision made to digitize the Bulletin as of 2019, E-Bulletin 67 onwards, only 50 hard
printed copies with limited distribution to standing orders subscribers.
List of organizations and institutions that are exchanging publications with GSM
Item Organization Country
1 New South Wales Dept of Mineral Resources Australia
2 Geologica Belgica a.s.b.I Belgium
3 University of Geosciences China
4 Nanking Institute of Geology China
5 National Geological Library China
6 Peking College of Geology China
7 Suomalaineu Tiedeakatemia Finland
8 Freie Universitat Berlin Germany
9 National Museum of Natural History Holland
10 Geological Society of Japan Japan
11 Dept Mineral & Planetary Science, Hiroshima Japan
12 Museum of Nature & Human Activities Japan
13 National Science Museum Japan
14 Natural History Museum and Institute Japan
15 Institute of Geosciences Japan
16 Geological Society of Korea Korea
17 Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia
18 Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia, Headquarters Malaysia
19 Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia, Ipoh Malaysia
20 Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia, Kuching Malaysia
21 Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
22 Kementerian Dalam Negeri Malaysia
23 Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Malaysia
24 Library PETRONAS Berhad Malaysia
25 Pusat Sumber Maklumat Negeri Sarawak Malaysia
26 Perpustakaan Tun Sri Lanang, UKM Malaysia
EDITOR’S REPORT
In 2020, the publication frequency of Warta Geologi was revised, from 4 to 3 times, with the first publication i.e.
Warta Geologi volume 46 no. 1 in April, number 2 in August and the third in December. Two volumes of the GSM
Bulletin (Volume 69 and 70) were published, and thus the status of publication is currently up to date. The publication
months of the Bulletin was also revised to May and November, beginning 2020. The Society is grateful to authors
for their contributions, the reviewers for their time and effort to improve the quality of the Society’s publications,
and members of the Editorial Board for their support. The reviewers for the 2020 Bulletin and Warta issues are as
listed in Warta Geologi volume 47(1). At present, all issues of the Bulletin and Geological Notes and Other Notes
from Warta Geologi of volume 44 onwards are available from the MyJurnal repository site.
The GSM online publication website is now in its 8th year. In 2020, the website was viewed by more than 62,500
visitors (with an average of 5,220 visitors/month) from more than 120 countries (mainly Malaysia, United States, Iraq,
Indonesia, China, Russia, Canada, Japan, Great Britain and some unknown localities), with 41,441 views/downloads.
WoS indexing
The application for indexing of the Bulletin in the Web of Science will be pursued in 2021. The Editorial
Committee will submit the volume 71 Bulletin of 2021 for revaluation.
May I take this opportunity to thank all the editorial committee members for their assistance during the editorial
process.
TREASURER’S REPORT
For the Financial Year 2020, the society posted a net surplus of RM 5,134 compared to RM 42,588 year 2019.
Comparatively, the 2020 surplus was higher than 2019 where in the year 2020 there was no withdrawal of RM 50,000
from Endowment Fund as GSM Council had withdrawn in 2019. If we did, that would be an equivalent surplus of
29% higher than the previous year.
Total income for year 2020 was RM 77,364 in 2020 as compared to RM 161,972 in 2019. Total operating
expenditure decreased from RM 119,112 (year 2019) to RM 72,099 (year 2020).
Operating revenue and expenditure showed a reduction due to restriction of operation under COVID-19 pandemic.
Thus, a decline to the norm of carrying out society activities in physical. In addition, much decline in interest rates
in fixed deposits, reduced the income from bank interest, from RM 18,194 (year 2019) to RM 13,075 (year 2020).
Membership subscription also dropped slightly from RM 17,585 (year 2019) to RM 16,211 (year 2020). This
could be due to no National Geoscience Conference was held for that year; partly Full Members gradually converting
to Life Members; and lesser society activities during COVID-19 decreased enrolment of new membership.
Sales of publication in the form of royalty, shows a consistency increases since last few years. Sales of publications
was RM 41,060 (year 2020) compared to RM 34,781 (year 2019), Note, the classification of “Sales of Bulletin and
Warta Geologi” in the year 2020 was previously subsumed under the “Sales of Publication” in the year 2019.
Further (70%) saving was visible under the Printing of Warta Geologi and Bulletin, were reduced respectively to
RM 6,200 and RM 7,175, as compared to RM 19,625 and RM 25,650 for year 2019. This also reduced the postage
significantly from RM1,748 (year 2019) to RM 316 (year 2020).
However, regardless the Sales of Publication showing a promising trend, the Publication unit of GSM in its
own is still at deficit. In the year 2020, the “red” was approximately RM 30,000 (38%) which the larger portion
include allowances for human resource and electronic journal publishing including its websites for publication and
submission. It still relies greatly on the funding from GSM Endowment Fund and shared resources from projects
jointly carried out with SEADPRI-UKM.
GSM should look into the long term sustainability of the Publication unit via infrastructure, info- structure, content
building and human resource investment as well as revenue optimisation (with knowledge generation in mind for
members) from publication and activities via seminars, talks and programmes to cater for Continuous Professional
Development for Board of Geologists Malaysia in virtual or physical environment.
The Treasurer would like to express a great appreciation to the donors, sponsors and all parties on their
contributions and supports throughout the year. Last but not least to Ms Anna Lee on her contribution managing the
accounts and many miscellaneous throughout the year.
GSM COUNCIL ELECTIONS FOR THE TERM 2021/2022: REPORT BY THE ELECTIONS OFFICER
This report contains the results of the election of Council members for the term 2021/2022.
At the end of the nomination period on 30 September 2020, nominations were received for all posts. Only a
single nomination was received for all posts except for the four 2-year councillor posts, for which 5 nominations
were received. (see Report of Nominations Committee, dated 18 October 2020).
The Council decided to conduct email balloting for the four (4) council members for the 2- year posts that will
be vacated at the end of the term in April 2021.
On 10th November, ballot forms were sent out to members with the profile of all 5 candidates for selection by
email ballots.
At the closing of balloting on 15 December 2020, the following votes were counted and verified by the Elections
Officer Dr Mazlan Madon and two Scrutineers, Prof. Azman A. Ghani and Dr Muhammad Hatta Roselee, who were
appointed by the Council.
Candidates with the 4 highest votes (above names in bold) shall be elected to the Council for the two-year term
(2021/2022 – 2022/2023) at the forthcoming 55th AGM in April 2021.
With the above results, the Council for the term 2021/2022 shall be filled as follows:
Thank you, Miss Secretary. Thank you also Dr. Mazlan Madon as election chairman
of GSM election 2021/22.
Honourable former Mr. President, Mr. Abd Rasid, now the Immediate Past President,
my fellow council members, congratulations on your new or renewed appointment, please
work with me!
It has been more than a decade since I began my service to GSM, then being the
‘financial caretaker’ treasurer, serving various misters, Dato’ and Madam Presidents. It
was a big and heavy task then, with less than one hundred thousand ringgit, we were able
to attain cost plus income from conferences, to doubling or even tripling the gross worth
through relentless effort over the years. Until now, sitting comfortably with a million ringgit
worth of cash assets. Taking an utmost risk, a bold move, uplifting organising events such
as PGCE from national level to become an international premier conference. Even though the tradition was held
up, I, for one, am a firm believer that we can do all of this again, crafting new similarly prestigious conferences in
due time. YES, WE CAN!
Thank you Mr. Abdul Rasid, former president, for setting the bar high with a myriad of great achievements.
Your spirit in transforming, shaping GSM to be a champion and to be recognised internationally, primarily in the
southeast Asian region is very much appreciated! Our task now is to make sure that the commitment and dedication
remains for many years to come, especially with the formalisation of AFGEO recently. Glad you are still around sir!
Looking at the new norm, where our livelihoods have experienced a 360-degree turn, where we began to miss
the traditional or conventional get together, face to face seminars or conferences, and worst of all in our case, no
field excursion has been able to be conducted for almost two years now.
This chain reaction could lead to another challenge, hopefully manageable and short term, as there has been
limited or no fieldworks conducted due to restriction in mobility or travel restrictions. Fieldwork is the backbone to
any geoscience related research, and so researchers all around are experiencing a major setback. Therefore, GSM shall
play its role to aggressively promote and encourage any journals/papers of quality to be produced in this short coming,
as well as uplift the standard of our very own Bulletin and Warta Geologi, elevating them to a higher echelon, with
an aim to elevate them even higher to become prominent publications. The ultimate aim of this endeavor is that, once
globally recognized, international researchers, of their own accord, would race for the chance to have their research
papers published in our Bulletin/Warta Geologi. To realise this, under the guidance of our editor-in-chief, Dr. Wan
Hasiah and the Editorial Board, all efforts and our full and utmost support will be given, especially in terms of funding.
The new challenge has on the bright side, pushed the Council team, including our editor-in-chief and editorial
team, to be more creative and innovative on how to mitigate or adapt to the current scenario.
As of 2022 and 2023, IGM and GSM were given a mandate to conduct webinars/talks virtually and/or hybrid
programs (face to face and virtual) in order to execute the CPD hours initiative for professional geologists all over
Malaysia to renew their professional practicing license by the Board of Geologist (BOG). The task and responsibility
is to facilitate professional geologists from all over our country, Malaysia. Therefore, it is imperative for us to be fully
prepared systematically and structurally in the execution of the programs and the GSM and IGM joint committee
needs to plan and to strengthen and to coordinate a year-to-year program to avoid any sort of redundancies, putting
emphasis on quality, as well as quantity to accommodate the demand!
In order to be prepared, GSM must first be sufficiently equipped, in particular the IT infrastructure, of our main
office located in University Malaya. Therefore, an addition and a proper lounge HAVE TO BE READY as a form
of facility to be used by both council members and members that would be highly beneficial and, perhaps one day,
could serve as a hub for our international guests to convene, allowing a smoother process for our programs. These
improvements are crucial for us to achieve our goals. As such, this term newly appointed council members will be
looking into that in due time and will be one of the main focus areas for 2021 and 2022.
Thus, in the spirit of GEOLOGIST FOR UNITY TO COMMUNITY, we need to `rapatkan saf’! I would like to
suggest the congregation of all the prominent veterans with vast experience in academia, as well as industry, to form
together a structured and coordinative organisation aptly named as the GSM FELLOWSHIP OF ELDERS or THE GSM
ELDERS. They would primarily serve as our check and balance, providing neutral perspectives, focusing more on the
technical programme contents that we have crafted. Pioneers and legends such as Prof. Ibrahim Komoo, Dr. Samsuddin
Hj. Taib, Prof. Rahim, Prof. Dr. John Kuna Raj, Prof. Dr. Teh Guan Hoe, Dr. Yeap Ee Beng, Dr. Abd. Ghani Rafek, Prof.
Dr. Hamzah Mohamad, Prof. Lee Chai Peng, despite not being as active as they once were, I am sure that for GSM where
they have made their mark, hopefully they would be willing to contribute where they can. It would truly be an honor
if we could materialize this into reality and insyaAllah my fellow team of council will be working tirelessly towards it.
To bring this speech to a close, as the newly appointed President, I, with the support of my fellow council
members, take all of this as an obligation, that we, with the culmination of all our experiences and knowledge, to
provide a brighter future for the many generations to come…. INSYAALLAH.
Thank you.
P.Geol Ahmad Nizam Hasan F.I.G.M
President
A technical talk by Mr. Jairo Antonio Plata Torres from PETRONAS was held via Microsoft Teams Platform on
15 June 2021. The talk was attended by more than 30 participants with topic of Introduction to Reservoir Modelling
& Characterization: Theory & Practice. The geophysics working group of GSM is organising more technical talks
related to geophysical exploration and basic understanding of oil and gas exploration.
Summary of talk:
The talk started at 6.30 p.m. with the welcoming remarks and introduction on the topic by the speaker. Mr Jairo’s
talk primarily focused on the basic understanding of the reservoir modeling technique that currently being used in
the oil and gas industry for mathematically representing reservoir characteristics. It allows multidisciplinary teams
to perform a wide variety of tasks from volume calculation to optimized strategies for field development. The 120
minutes long talk had successfully provide an introduction on reservoir modeling and characterization, its basic
theoretical concepts including the assumptions behind it and some real case examples of its application. The talk
was concluded at 8.30 p.m. with question and answer session between the speaker with the participants.
A technical talk with a title ‘Slope Stability: Input from Geoscientist’ was held on 14th July 2021.
The event is a collaboration between Fraser’s Hill Research Centre (Pusat Penyelidikan Bukit Fraser, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia), the Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM) and Alumni UKM.
Three speakers were invited, and they were:
Speaker 1: P.Geol. Gs. Hairil Azwan Razak from Geotechnica Sdn. Bhd., with his topic Geo-Trio: Integration
of Geology, Geotechnics and Geospatial in Geohazard and Risk Assessment.
Speaker 2: P.Geol. Ahmad Zulqurnain Ghazalli from Geoventure Solution Sdn. Bhd. His presentation title was
The junction between Geophysics and Geology for Geohazard Assessment.
Speaker 3: P.Geol. Ir. Ts. Dr. Goh Thian Lay from the Geology Department of UKM, who presented his
observation during the last monsoon season on impacts of hill top development to hill bottom households, entitled
Field observation at Taman Bukit Koman, Raub, Pahang.
Summary of talks:
In the monsoon-dominated and tropical regions, landslides often occur in areas characterized by steep hillslopes, high
rainfall intensities, seasonally dry periods, unstable slopes and also under forests. With this set of climate conditions
combined with the inherent geological conditions, landslides often cause extensive damage to infrastructures and
involved many casualties. As slopes behave differently to one another, an assessment program will be a value in
managing slope hazards and it can provide information for design of rectification work as well as to gauge the
integrity of a slope or to determine the performance/effectiveness of a designed slope.
Nowadays, geohazard and risk maps are often used to identify area of either existing or potential landslide or slope
instability, either localized or on a global scale. Geohazard and risk analysis are also carried out to understand the
likely mechanism which triggers potential occurrence of a landslide via a geoforensic study. However, conventional
landslide mapping techniques have limitations especially in a forested mountainous environment and large areas.
As digitalization, artificial intelligence and machine learning has become the essential elements and are the primary
use in today’s world, the utilization of remote sensing technology such as LiDAR is one of the tools that improves
the method of hazard and risk mapping programme. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an active optical
technology that uses pulses of laser light to strike the surface of the earth and measures the time of each pulse return
to derive an accurate elevation to obtain ground surface information such as the topography, gradient, slope height,
slope aspect, hydrological condition etc.
In general, geohazard and risk maps can be developed in several ways, ranging from simple qualitative to varying
degrees of site mapping and geoscientific analyses involving statistical and other numeric quantitative approaches
such as (i) Geotechnical method, (ii) Direct method, and (iii) Indirect method. However, in formulating the geohazard
and risk model, the causative and triggering factors need to be identified upfront. There are many factors which
contribute to geohazard, either as causative factors or triggering factors which requires a collaboration of multi-
disciplinary approach like Geology, Geotechnical Engineering and Geospatial; as different types and mechanisms
of landslides may occur, depending on the characteristics, geology and temporal factors.
Using the GIS platform, a comprehensive Geohazard and Risk Map can be developed by taking into consideration
aspects of multi-disciplinary approach in predicting a landslide before it happens. The map will help the government
or local authorities with their development programme, especially in making decisions regarding potential safety
measures to be taken such as avoidance, prevention or mitigation and it will also enable one to holistically manage
disaster risks in a dynamic environment.
Photo 1: Mr. Hairil presenting his topic on the integration Photo 2: Mr. Zulqurnain presenting his expertise in
of geology, geotechnics and geospatial. geohazard works.
A technical talk by Gs. Dr. Muhammad Hafeez Jeofry from UMT was held via Microsoft Teams Platform on
15 July 2021. The talk was attended by more than 50 participants with the topic of “Electromagnetic method for
investigating Antarctic ice-sheet stability”. The GSM Geophysics Working Group with Centre for Subsurface Imaging,
UTP organised the technical talk related to geophysical exploration and basic understanding of oil and gas exploration.
Summary of talk:
The talk started at 2.30 p.m. with the welcoming remarks and introduction on the topic by the speaker. Dr Hafeez’s
talk primarily focused on the marine ice-sheet instability within the Antartica region. The presentation by the speaker
touched on the numerical modelling of the ice sheet, validated with present day conditions, and quantify the future
stability of these regions. Dr Hafeez’s experience and expertise in Antartica exploration had provide a good insight
of the influence of climate and ocean warming on ice-sheet stability. The talk was concluded at 4.30 p.m. with
question and answer session between the speaker with the participants.
Disediakan oleh:
Norazianti Asmari & Dr. Mohd Hariri Arifin
Unit Promosi, GSM 2021/2022
* Jika anda mempunyai cadangan program Live Facebook, sila emel cadangan kepada noraziantiasmari@gmail.com
TEA TALK
TEA TALK
The training of trainers was part of the key activities under the International Development Research Center (IDRC)
Canada-funded project on "Promotion of Social Entrepreneurship in Disaster Risk Reduction to Build Community
Resilience" led by SEADPRI-UKM. The event began with an opening remarks by the Project Leader, Prof. Joy
Jacqueline Pereira, to brief on the background of the project and contextualize it with the event. The training session
was delivered by Dato Dr. Madeline Berma from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and Puan Shazlinda
Md Yusof from the School of Management, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to members of the Geological
Society of Malaysia (GSM) who are interested in venturing into social entrepreneurship for DRR. The training
was attended by over 20 participants from various geosciences backgrounds; they had the opportunity to learn the
background and different models of social entrepreneurship including some examples of the practices in Malaysia.
The participants found the training to be very beneficial in providing information about social entrepreneurship and
had catalyzed the discussion on how geoscientists would, in moving forward, build their own social enterprises to
contribute to disaster risk reduction.
It was a pleasure working with both of the trainers.
Prepared by:
Norazianti binti Asmari
Representative
GSM-IGM Flagship in DRR
A screen capture of the training on Zoom led by Dato Dr. Madeline Berma (first row, middle)
and Ms. Shazlinda Md Yusof (second row, second left). The training was also attended by Mr.
Mohd Nizam Hasan, President of GSM (second row, first left) who delivered the closing remarks.
Participants
WEBINAR
WOMEN IN GEOSCIENCE
assertive; female geoscientists are a rare sight, and they do often stand out from the crowd. However, it would also be
understandable if they find it a struggle to keep up at the earlier part of their careers, as they are expected to perform
similarly demanding tasks as men at the workplace. This includes going to remote places for fieldwork, operating
machinery, and keeping up with data analyzing tools and software, among others. Although in some workplaces,
women have been given special treatment; the men would often take care of the more physically demanding tasks,
and women were looked after, or not be assigned to conduct fieldwork in risky environments. Later in their careers,
the usual setbacks for women to advance in their career in comparison to men commonly occur when some women
choose to prioritize family life. As a result, they no longer give the same commitment to their professional life as
the men in the same career path. It is also not rare for women geoscientists in Malaysia to eventually leave their
careers of their own free will to focus on family life.
In essence, the discussion during the webinar revealed that in Malaysia, female geoscientists have not experienced
gender-based issues at work and are given the same treatment and opportunities as male geoscientists throughout
their careers. In most cases, the career success of the women mostly depends on personal choices and grit. Still, it
was also noted from the discussion that the female fresh graduates in geoscience need more empowerment for them
to increase their confidence and move forward in their careers.
Prepared by:
Nurul Syazwani Yahaya
Project Manager
IDRC-funded Project on Promotion of Social Entrepreneurship in DRR
GSM-IGM Flagship in DRR
Screenshots of the group at the end of the webinar attended by female undergraduates and fresh graduates
in geosciences.
WEBINAR
Bismillahhirrahmanirrahim
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Yang saya hormati tuan pengerusi majlis, sahabat saya, Pak Abdullah, merangkap pengerusi ‘Working Group
Quaternary And Marine Geology’ Persatuan Geologi Malaysia atau GSM dan saya Ahmad Nizam Hasan selaku
Presiden Persatuan Geologi Malaysia, mengalu-alukan saudara serumpun kita, yang dihormati, yang dikagumi,
luarbiasa hasil karyanya, Pak DhaniIrwanto. Terima kasih banyak pak kerana sudi memenuhi undangan pihak GSM
dalam acara webinar yang cukup bersejarah ini; Sundaland - The Cradle Of Civilization.
Selamat datang ke arena webinar Persatuan Geologi Malaysia Pak Dhani!
Ini adalah program Pak Dhani yang kedua saya hadiri selepas minggu sudah di webinar di Indonesia yang cukup
informatif dan menghiburkan sehingga lewat malam, dalam suasana yang cukup santai tapi tetap serius, begitu
esplicit dan tuntas perbincangannya. Semoga hari ini sidang hadirin peserta di arena Malaysia juga diharap memberi
suasana yang seumpamanya pada hari ini, kita raikan Pak Dhani dengan soalan-soalan dan pertanyaan yang bisa
kita sama-sama merungkai sebuah rahsia dari masterpiece Pak Dhani.
Saya sebagai Presiden Persatuan Geologi Malaysia juga mengalu-alukan kehadiran tetamu kehormat kita pada hari ini.
Untuk pengetahuan semua, acara hari ini juga disokong oleh rakan institusi akrab kita iaitu Institut Geologi Malaysia,
yang merupakan kembar seperjuangan menjaga kepentingan industri ahli-ahli profesional geologi di Malaysia. Terima
kasih kepada Presiden dan barisan ahli majlis IGM yang sentiasa berkerjasama erat dalam program memartabatkan
bidang geologi di Malaysia kini.
live. Luarbiasa sekali sambutannya! InsyaAllah pihak kami akan memperbaiki kelemahan kami ini di masa akan
datang. Mohon maaf semua.
Semoga semua selamat menikmati suatu pelayaran Sundaland…the cradle of civilization bersama nara sumber Pak
Dhaniirwanto!
Prepared by:
P.Geol Abdullah bin Sulaiman
Chairman Quaternary & Marine Geology Working Group
GSM 2021/2022
Satu taklimat peluang menyambung pengajian di peringkat sarjana dan doktor falsafah di universiti tempatan telah
dijalankan dalam talian pada 30 Jun 2021 melalui pelantar Zoom dan Live Facebook Persatuan Geologi Malaysia.
Taklimat ini disampaikan oleh 7 wakil universiti yang mengambil bahagian iaitu Universiti Malaya, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS dan Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Bagi yang tidak berkesempatan menyertai taklimat tersebut, bolehlah melayari pautan berikut bagi sesi rakaman
yang telah dilakukan: https://fb.watch/v/3nQw-Az0o/
Berikut merupakan beberapa foto tangkap layar yang sempat dirakam semasa program tersebut berjalan:
Foto 1: Taklimat oleh Dr. Hijaz Kamal Hasnan yang mewakili Universiti Malaya.
Foto 2: Taklimat oleh Dr. Nordiana Mohd Muztaza yang mewakili Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Foto 3: Taklimat disampaikan daripada wakil Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS iaitu Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Latiff.
Foto 4: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) diwakili oleh Dr. Muhd Nur Ismail Abdul Rahman.
Foto 5: Sesi bergambar bersama; dari atas kiri: Dr. Zulherry Isnain (UMS), Dr. Mohd Hariri Arifin (moderator/UKM), Dr. Hijaz
Kamal Hasnan (UM), Dr. Nordiana Mohd Muztaza (USM), Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Latiff (UTP), Dr. Nursufiah Sulaiman (UMK)
dan Dr. Muhd Nur Ismail Abdul Rahman (UMT).
NEW MEMBERSHIP
Student Membership
Hosts:
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Krastel
Institute of Geoscience, CAU
email: sebastian.krastel@ifg.uni-kiel.de
Introduction
These scientific talks were organized under an MOU between UMT and CAU on marine geoscience. The talks
sought to exchange scientific knowledge on marine geoscience between both institution and participants. Moreover,
it also provided an opportunity to introduce the recently established Marine Geoscience Program of UMT to the
geoscience community here in Malaysia and also in Europe. Geological Society of Malaysia had given a strong
support for this activity and we are so thankful for that. This report gives a summary of the scientific talks.
Summary of talks
1st Talk: Dr. Christoph Böttner - Natural and anthropogenic fluid migration pathways in marine sediments
Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and consequent global warming are one of the grand challenges of the 21st
century. A key technology for mitigating the consequences of climate change is the active removal of carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere (carbon dioxide capture and storage = CCS) to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction
formulated by the IPCC and UN’s SDGs. However, it is important to accurately assess the risks of potential leakage
to ensure that long-term storage is efficient and safe, as well as achieving societal acceptance. Here, I show examples
of natural and anthropogenic fluid migration pathways, which are further investigated as they may act as potential
leakage pathways from storage formations. Natural fluid migration pathways such as vertical fluid conduits may
manifest in seismic data as chimneys or pipes. Although, their nature and physical properties are poorly constrained
they likely represent fluidized sediments or fracture networks that connect deeper strata to the seafloor. At the seafloor,
the released fluids may form pockmarks, as shown by the example in the Witch Ground Basin. Anthropogenic fluid
migration pathways may form where drilling activities have fractured the surrounding of the well or where faulty/
corroded well barriers permit vertical flow of fluids. A case study from the North Sea shows that the leakage from
abandoned wells is likely linked to drilling induced fractures and can be assesed by the well’s proximity to shallow
gas, which is visible in seismic data as bright spots with polarity reversals. The released gas is likely of biogenic
origin and contributes to the methane budget of the North Sea. Both case studies show that an integrated study of
ancient complex fluid flow systems is necessary to understand their present behavior and predict their future.
Figure 1: Schematic sketch of fluid migration pathways in marine sediments. (I) Vertical fluid conduits which manifest in seismic
data as amplitude anomalies (Seismic pipes & chimneys). These structures are known from sediment basins around the world and
are interpreted as the seismic image of (I.II) gas filled fracture networks or as (I.II) injections of fluids or fluidized sediments.
(II) Wells from hydrocarbon exploration and other subsurface operations. Leakage may occur either (II.I) through the fractured
surrounding of the borehole and/or (II.II) through faulty casings and/or annuli of the well: (A) Between casing and cement; (B)
between cement plug and casing; (C) through the cement pore space as a result of cement degradation; (D) through casing as a
result of corrosion; (E) through fractures in cement; and (F) between cement and rock (modified after Gasda et al., 2004). (III)
Structure-controlled flow along faults and fractured zones in the subsurface.
2nd Talk: Dr. Fatin Izzati Minhat – Tiny microfossils as indicator of past sea-level changes
The accelerating global sea-level rise is predicted to have significant impact on the world’s coastal zone and
geomorphology. Since the timing and magnitude of sea-level rise is far from uniform, local sea-level predictions are
important to help validate or improve sea level models. Paleo sea level records with appropriate bio-geo indicator
proxy indicators could help us to develop better mitigation strategies against current or future sea-level rise scenarios.
Recent studies in Sulawesi and Western Borneo have indicated that the mid-Holocene sea level was much lower than
previously suggested. This study utilised benthic foraminifera as sea level proxy in order to reconstruct continuous
high-resolution sea level curve in Sunda Shelf during Holocene. The sea level data from Sunda Shelf, Malaysia
waters shows two sea level high-stands, the first during ~7900 cal BP ( +3 m) and the second during ~5200 cal BP
(+2 m). The record has indicated that the sea level on Southern South China Sea has not reached or go beyond 5 m
as suggested by several geophysical models previously. Comparison made to the regional models of glacial-isostatic
adjustment (GIA) suggested that the sea level pattern produced by this study falls between ICE-5G and ANICE-
SELEN ice-sheet models.
3rd Talk: Dr. Felix Gross - Integrative natural hazard analysis at the Center for Ocean and Society at Kiel
Marine Science: An example from Southern Italy
Coastal areas are experiencing significant growth in population and infrastructure, and are therefore increasingly
vulnerable to disasters originating from the ocean, as well as associated cascade effects. To better cope with hazards
and risk, the UN’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) has laid out global priorities for
disaster risk reduction (DRR). In April 2020, the OECD defined common ground between the Sendai Framework of
Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement, making DRR a major priority in the management of climate change
and the UN’s sustainable development goals. In order to tackle the challenges arising from the Sendai Framework’s
Priority 1 (understanding disaster risk) and Priority 2 (strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster
risk), we are using a workflow from hazard discovery over hazard understanding and hazard assessment towards
economically practical, societal acceptable and politically implementable solutions (Figure 2). As hazard and impact
assessment is a regional rather than global challenge, case study areas or living lab approaches are key to understand
hazards, exposure and risk. Southern Italy is one of the most geologically active regions in the world and was struck
by several devastating earthquakes and tsunamis over the last few centuries. Furthermore, Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest
active volcano, is located in this region. Mt Etna is known for its frequent small scaled eruptions and a prominent
instability of its eastern flank. The combination of a densely populated and eroding coast, critical infrastructure, and
economic relevance make this region a key study site for (marine) geohazards and in the Mediterranean. Over the
past decade, an international team mostly led by Kiel based scientists collected several datasets across the region
which show the major tectonic fault systems, as well as areas overprinted by gravitational movements and collapses.
Especially Mt. Etna, and its eastern submerged flank and adjacent continental margin was intensively surveyed.
During these surveys, we discovered unknown fault lines, which connect to onshore-mapped zones of weakness and
creeping of the entire eastern flank. Based on this discovery, we deployed a marine geodetic network to prove and
understand, if and how the flank’s instability and creeping also extents into the offshore realm. During a slow-slip
(a-seismic) event in May 2017 the instruments recorded a 4 cm slip at the southern boundary of the continental
margin offshore the volcano edifice, proving our initial interpretation of a coupled volcano edifice and continental
margin instability. To elaborate and interpret these findings, numerical modelling and scenario generations will lead
to a holistic assessment of the hazard potential of the area. From our first observations, the margin is not prone for
a large volume failure but rather fractures into small blocks, which are toppling downslope or disintegrate entirely
during failure. This affect may produce small scale, near-field tsunami waves with run-up heights of less than 3 m,
but runout-times of less than 5 minutes. This short period between a failure and the inundation of a potential tsunami
wave shows, that solutions are needed for the area, which do not include a classical tsunami early warning system
(which is not established in the Mediterranean so far). These solutions should include measures to increase the
awareness and preparedness of coastal communities and tourists. As the hazard potential of the entire area is rather
high, it is paramount to reduce the exposure and vulnerability of the area in order to minimize the risk of human and
economic loss. Measures like education, communication, construction requirements/regulations and scenario-based
disaster drills may eventually lead to a disaster risk reduction.
Figure 2: Visualization of the workflow from hazard discovery over hazard understanding and hazard assessment towards solutions.
All measures should be implemented according the UN’s SDGs and the UNDRR’s (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction)
Sendai Framework (2015-2030).
4th Talk: Dr. Jens Schneider von Deimling – New directions in habitat mapping
Our presented habitat mapping activities and procedures demonstrated how to shed light and sound into the
shallow coastal ’white ribbon’ areas in the Baltic Sea. We showcased the potentials of latest seabed surveying and
data processing techniques. In the terrestrial realm, researchers, authorities and policy makers dealing with spatial
management and environmental protection are used to drawing decisions based on a strong data base derived
from space born remote sensing. Such maps and procedures are often missing in the marine realm. To overcome
this problem, we aimed to find the most suitable sensing method and to understand the physics of interaction for
the specific habitat-sensor setup while developing and employing state-of-the-art technology. We concentrated on
key habitats such as biologically active reefs of stones and/or mussels, burrowing fauna, sand bars and banks, and
seagrass meadows.
Our project ECOMAP (www.bonus-ecomap.eu) envisaged sophisticated procedures, data analyses techniques,
and implementing computer code to achieve its designated goals. The techniques comprise multispectral multibeam
acoustics, point cloud multibeam data evaluation, and data fusion between airborne and ship born opto-acoustic data
with special focus on much improved area-wide mapping of seagrass meadows with unprecedented accuracy using
modern multibeam echosounder technology. We also envisaged and provide convincing case studies that marine
habitat mapping can be pushed forward through the integration of artificial intelligence techniques in postprocessing,
data analyses, and habitat assessments.
ECOMAP researched and developed prototype remote sensing techniques. Now and in the near future we
aim to push forward to make them applicable to the end user, a process that requires standardized procedures and
user-friendly software applications We are in direct contact with local authorities and discuss which measurements,
gained knowledge about remote sensing, and procedures could improve ongoing and future habitat mapping and
monitoring strategies.
In the meantime, ECOMAP technology was requested from abroad (Spain, Israel and Canada), e.g. to remotely
sense other habitats such as black corals or tropical seagrass species. Several projects already funded or under
preparation resulted from or are supported through knowledge gained within ECOMAP and serve to test the procedures
outside of the Baltic Sea after the project has ended.
5th Talk: Dr. Khaira Ismail – Mining the Earth’s last frontier: The deep sea
6th Talk: Arne Lohrberg - Buried ice-marginal landforms in the southeastern North Sea imaged by high-
resolution seismic
In northwestern Europe, the landscapes have been shaped by ice sheets during the major glaciations of the
Pleistocene and modified to its present state during the Holocene. A better understanding of Pleistocene deposits is
essential for the assessment of constructions sites, groundwater resources, geohazards and coastal protection. It also
facilitates the quantification of methane seepage, which is essential for future climate models.
The analyses of 2D reflection seismic data in the southeastern North Sea between Amrum and Helgoland shows
that buried glacial landforms dominate the shallow subsurface. Large tunnel valley systems and a glaciotectonic complex
made from a series of thrust faults and thrust sheets has been identified. The formation of tunnel valleys is explained
by high hydraulic heads below ice sheets during the Elsterian glaciation. The orientation of these glacial landforms
is used to outline several ice margins in the study area. Cross-cutting relationships as well as cut-and-fill structures
indicate that at least five major ice margins were present in the study area during the Pleistocene, which contradicts the
traditional model of ice advances into the North Sea limited to the major glaciations of the Elster and Saale glaciations.
A novel survey strategy with highly reduced survey speeds allowed to show that gaseous methane seepage by
single gas bubbles can reach 1,900 μmol m-2 d-1 in the Eckernförde Bay, Baltic Sea. The ebullition of single gas
bubbles is not limited to geological structures and the gas bubbles likely reach the sea surface with approximately
50% of the initial methane content. This widespread seepage of single gas bubbles thus provides an efficient transport
mechanism of marine seabed methane into the atmosphere. Such gas seepage is likely to occur in larger regions of
the Baltic Sea, possibly on a global scale where shallow gas is present. As a result, methane seepage by single gas
bubbles in shallow seas is probably a highly underestimated source for the release of marine methane to the atmosphere.
Acknowledgement
CAU and UMT would like to thank the Geological Society of Malaysia for its support both in promoting the
talks and also for the publication of this report.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 14-16, 2021: Virtual 2021 IADC/SPE Managed October 26-31, 2021: The International Symposium on
Pressure Driling & Underbalanced Operations Conference Deep Earth Exploration and Practices (DEEP-2021)
& Exhibition. Event URL: https://www.iadc.org/event/ (Virtual). Visit http://2021.sinoprobe.org/default.html for
iadc-managed-pressure-2021-conference-exhibition/. further details.
September 21-23, 2021: SPE Annual Technical Confer- November 10-11, 2021: AAPG Latin America and Ca-
ence and Exhibition (ATCE); Dubai, United Arab Emir- ribbean Region Energy Opportunities 2021 Virtual Con-
ates (In-person and virtually). For general enquiries, ference. Visit https://energyopportunities.info/2021for
please contact: mchopra@spe.org. further details.
September 26-October 1, 2021: IMAGE ’21 ( SEG and November 16-18, 2021: Asia Pacific Unconventional
AAPG joint annual meeting); Denver, Colorado and On- Resources Technology (Asia Pacific URTeC) 2021 (vir-
line. Visit event website https://imageevent.org/2021 for tual event). More details at https://www.spe.org/events/
more details. en/2021/conference/21apur/about.html.
September 27-29, 2021: Integrated Process-Based Geo- November 23-24, 2021: High CO₂, High Contaminant
logical Modeling in Exploration and Production; Abu Challenging Fields and Alternative Energy - Impact and
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Visit https://www.aapg. Monetization. Virtual Workshop via Zoom (Singapore,
org/global/middleeast/events to obtain more details Singapore time). Visit https://store.aapg.org/events/reg-
about the event. istration.aspx?event=S7329000 for event details.
October 4-7, 2021: 14th Middle East Geosciences Con- November 28-30, 2021: RECSO EnviroSpill 2021 Con-
ference and Exhibition; Bahrain. To find out more, visit ference and Exhibition; Kingdom of Bahrain. For en-
website at https://geo-expo.com/conference/, or contact quiries, contact : Kiran Gulzar Ahmed, info@rescoenvi-
Mr. Abeer Al Zubaidi via email aapgme@aapg.org. rospill.org; webpage: www.rescoenvirospill.org.
October 5-6, 2021: The Stratigraphy of Sundaland: December 5-9, 2021: 23rd World Petroleum Con-
Current Perspectives and Future of the Science. Virtual gress; Houston, TX. Details can be obtained at https://
Workshop via Zoom (Singapore, Singapore time). For www.23wpchouston.com/program/program-overview/.
details, please check event website, at https://www.aapg.
org/global/asiapacific/events/virtual/articleid/59741/ December 6-7, 2021: SPE International Conference on
the-stratigraphy-of-sundaland-current-perspectives-and- Oilfield Chemistry (In-person and online); The Wood-
future-of-the-science#pricing. lands, Texas, USA. Details at https://www.spe.org/
events/en/2021/conference/21occ/oilfield-chemistry-in-
October 12-13, 2021: EAGE Conference on Seismic In- ternational-conference.html.
terpretation using AI Methods - Going Beyond Machine
Learning (Online). For further information and enquiries December 6-8, 2021: Virtual GEOSEA 2021. Visit website
about the workshop, please contact EAGE Asia Pacific: https://geosea2021.xperto.org/ for further information.
Tel.: + 60 3 2722 0140, E-mail: asiapacific@eage.org /
registrations@eage.org. February 21-23, 2022: International Petroleum Technol-
ogy Conference (IPTC) 2022; Dahran, Saudi Arabia.
October 12-14, 2021: SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Event webpage: https://2022.iptcnet.org/.
Conference and Exhibition (Virtual). Check out https://
www.spe.org/events/en/2021/conference/21apog/asia- March 14-16, 2022: MEDiNA Technical Conference and
pacific-oil-and-gas-conference-and-exhibition.html for Exhibition (AAPG/EAGE Mediterranean and North Af-
further information. rican Conference and Exhibition); Tunis, Tunisia. Check
out the details at https://medinace.aapg.org/2022/.
October 18-21, 2021: 82nd EAGE Conference & Exhi-
bition (In-person and virtually), Amsterdam, The Neth- March 22-25, 2022: OTC (Offshore Technology Confer-
erlands. Visit https://www.spe.org/events/en/2021/ ence) Asia 2022; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Event web-
conference/21euro/spe-europec-featured-82nd-eage- site: https://2022.otcasia.org/about-otc-asia.
conference-exhibition.html.
April 19-22, 2022: AAPG’s International Conference
October 24-27, 2021: AAPG 2021 International Confer- and Exhibition, ICE 22; Cartagena, Colombia. Please
ence & Exhibition (ICE); Muscat, Oman. Further de- find further details at https://www.aapg.org/events/con-
tails will be made available, visit https://www.aapg.org/ ferences/ice.
events/conferences/ice.
198 Warta Geologi, Vol. 47, No. 2, August 2021
Geological Society of Malaysia Publications
Instruction to Authors
General Policy Author’s Address Illustrations
Papers should be as concise as possible. Addresses of all authors must be Please make sure that all illustrations
They may include original results of basic, provided. The addresses should be sufficient for are useful, necessary and of good quality.
applied and policy research of national or correspondence. Please include email address, A maximum of ten (10) illustrations
international significance, current reviews, or telephone and fax of the corresponding author. (photographs, graphs and diagrams) are
discussions on techniques, research programs, allowed and these should be cited in the text
organisations, information, or national and Abstract and numbered consecutively as Figures. The
international policies in geoscience. Abstract in both Malay and English, each papers are usually published in black-and-
in one paragraph and should not exceed 300 white but it may sometimes be possible to
Submission of Papers words. It should clearly identify the subject include colour figures at the author’s expense.
Only papers that have not been published matter, results obtained, interpretations The scales for maps and photomicrographs
elsewhere will be considered for publication. discussed and conclusions reached. should be drawn on the figure and not given
Authors must agree not to publish elsewhere as a magnification. Originals should not be
a paper submitted and accepted. All papers Keywords greater than A4 size and annotations should be
will be subjected to review by two or more Please include 3 to 8 keywords that best capable of being reduced down to 50 percent.
reviewers. Authors wishing to include describe the content of the paper. The caption should be listed on a separate
published and unmodified figures or text piece of paper. Do not insert the illustration
passages are required to obtain permission References within the text.
from the copyright owner(s). Authors of In the text, references should be cited
English papers are strongly urged to have by author and year and listed chronologically Submission of Electronic Files
their manuscript edited for language before (e.g. Smith, 1964; Jones et al., 1998; Smith & Submission should be made through
submission by a person whose first language Tan, 2000). For both Malay and English paper, email as attachment files or using CD-ROM.
is English. all references must be listed in English. Title The submission should be accompanied with
of non-English articles should be translated a listing of all files and the software (name and
The Editor reserves the right to reject to English.
all or any part of the paper submitted. The version) used. The file names should reflect the
Geological Society of Malaysia assumes no The list of references should only include content of the files (e.g. Ali_Fig1.tif).
responsibility for statements made by authors. articles cited in the text. The list should be
arranged in alphabetical order. Please ensure Preferred Software
Manuscript should be submitted to: that the reference list is complete and the Text: Microsoft Word. Do not insert tables and
The Editor, bibliographical details are accurate. The illustration within the text.
Geological Society of Malaysia references should be in the following manner: Tables: Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel.
c/o Department of Geology Journal article: Please submit as separate files.
University of Malaya Suntharalingam, T., 1968. Upper Palaeozoic Illustrations – Vector Graphics: Adobe
50603 Kuala Lumpur, stratigraphy of the area west of Kampar, Illustrator (preferred), CorelDraw and
Malaysia Perak. Geol. Soc. Malaysia Bull., 1, 1-15. Freehand. Final line thickness should be at
Tel: (603) 7957 7036
Book: least 0.5 point or 0.17 mm. For other software,
Fax: (603) 7956 3900
Hutchison, C.S., 1989. Geological Evolution of please submit one copy in the native file
Email: geologicalsociety@gmail.com
South-east Asia. Clarendon Press, Oxford. format and export one copy as a PDF file with
Manuscript 368 p. all fonts embedded and one copy as a high
The paper can be written in Bahasa Chapter of book and Symposium volume: resolution TIFF or JPEG image.
Malaysia (Malay) or English. For English Hosking, K.F.G., 1973. Primary mineral deposits. Photographs or bitmap (raster) images:
papers, use either British or American spelling In: Gobbett, D.J. and Hutchison, C.S. (Eds.), Adobe Photoshop. Please save as TIFF or
but not a combination of both. The paper Geology of the Malay Peninsular (West PSD files. Save/scan line art at 600 to 1200 dpi
should be checked thoroughly for spelling Malaysia and Singapore). Wiley-Interscience, and greyscale figures at 300 to 600 dpi. High
and grammar. The manuscript must be printed New York, 335-390.
resolution JPEG, TIFF or GIF files from other
at 1.5 spacing in a single column on one side Article in Malay: sources are also acceptable. The resolution
of A4 paper. All pages should be numbered. Lim, C.H. & Mohd. Shafeea Leman, 1994. must be high enough for printing at 300 dpi.
Length of paper should be between 3,000 The occurrence of Lambir Formation in
and 8,000 words for the Bulletin and between Ulu Bok Syncline, North Sarawak. Geol. Reprints
2,000 and 3000 words for Warta Geologi, Soc. Malaysia Bull., 35, 1-5. (in Malay with Twenty five copies of each article
excluding tables and illustrations. Metric units English abstract). published are supplied free of charge.
should be used and all non-standard symbols, Additional reprints are available at cost
abbreviations and acronyms must be defined. Tables
All tables should be cited in the text and price provided that orders are placed prior
numbered consecutively. Tables should have a to publication. Authors will also received a
Title softcopy of the article published in .pdf format.
Title must be informative and reflects title and a legend explaining any abbreviation
the content of the paper. Title in Malay should or symbol used. Each table must be printed on
include an English translation. It should be a separate piece of paper. Do not insert the
concise (less than 20 words). Avoid using tables within the text. Data in tables should
abbreviation in the title. be aligned using tab stops rather than spaces.
Avoid excessive tabulation of data.
PP2509/07/2013(032786) ISSN 0126-5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549
KANDUNGAN (CONTENTS)
CATATAN GEOLOGI (Geological Notes)
Yusuf, S.N., Ishaku, J.M., Wakili, W.M.: Estimation of Dar-Zarrouk parameters and delineation of
groundwater potential zones in Karlahi, part of Adamawa Massif, Northeastern Nigeria 103
John Kuna Raj: Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of earth materials in a weathering profile over the
Kuantan Basalt, Pahang, Malaysia 113
Printed by Nets Printwork Sdn. Bhd., No. 56, Jalan PBS 14/4,
Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor